Computer Upgrades

[TrevorW]

Ever feel like you are being ripped off or everyone else is trying to get rich at your expense- recently I had my laptop upgraded to 8gb memory and was charged $120 - which I thought was a bit rich considering the ram only costs between $10-40, the service guy only took about 15 minutes to undo the case and install. While I was there he suggested upgrading the HDD to SSD (cost $350) to improve performance and replace the battery as it was showing signs of wear (cost $150), both would take no longer than 15 minutes to replace. The time consuming part is cloning the existing HDD to SSD, no actual labour involved. Now me being a bit computer savvy I went on-line and purchased a reputable 500gb SSD for under $100 inc postage, from an Australian supplier, this came with the cloning cable and free software, saving myself $250. A replacement battery can be purchased for around $50, so that is next on my list of things to do. OK I know he has to pay rent and cover overheads but fair crack of sausage. :)

[Fox]

It’s probably not unreasonable really, considering that out of that he pays tax, and then if has a shop front, it’s overheads such as stock, rent, utilities, insurance, indemnity, etc. it adds up…

[TrevorW]

What $250 for doing virtually nothing you got to be joking :)

[Leo.G]

RAM is a funny thing Trevor. I have an Asus I purchased from another member here cheap and it had 8GB of on-board RAM. I decided since it had a SODIMM expansion slot I'd buy another 8GB (or 16GB, I can't remember) of RAM. I purchased Kingston RAM, the correct speed for this laptop then found it was NOT recognised, the laptop refused to show anything other than a black screen and my searches showed it required Crucial brand RAM which was well over $130 for the same capacity 8GB Kingston chip I got for $40.


As for upgrades I do my own and have done for over 30 years.
Some laptops can be a real horror to disassemble but I always look for a manual/strip down instructions online (not youtub) especially when it's a friends expensive new thing.
I used to repair mother boards and other associated bits and pieces at a component level back in the days of 386 and 486 computers.


Some batteries are also not as claimed, I purchased a larger battery for my sons old HP Probook when it was still new and regardless of what the seller insisted it did not fit, other replacement batteries have had poor life (same with phone and camera batteries, even things marked with OEM branding).


No, I'm not defending the guy in the shop, I know from experience they will rip you blind or try to......

[TrevorW]

Agree in some Leo, but it wasn't expensive ram and specifically suited to the laptop - I checked - and this laptpp was dead easy to take to cover off - all the prices quotes are for the recommended replacement parts for my laptop :)

[sharkbite]

Having worked in electronics many years ago...I admit I feel a bit of a twinge when I hear about what things cost to fettle....in fact I have never paid for it, as I am fairly confident I can make upgrades without breaking anything.( Most of the time this has been true)


I do get that for some, the price is outrageous, but the guy does have to make a living....

What you also get with the guy is a warranty....which you don't get if you bugger it up...

Speaking for myself....there are some things I can't be Rsed doing these days as well...let the man do it and save myself the stress...well worth the premium paid!

[leon]

Although I am not the most experienced in the Computer world I do all my own stuff from building my new Desktop to any older Lappy upgrades.:thumbsup:

I do however ask lots of questions here and use their advice with good outcomes.;)

Isn't that right Andrew.:P :lol:

Leon:thumbsup:

[RB]

That’s right Leon. :thumbsup:

Happy Easter mate.

:)

[TrevorW]

I have no qualms paying a reasonable amount for peoples time but $250 for 15-30 minutes labour at the most is over the top IMO. :)