Maplins?

SexyGreyFox · 28 Oct 2017 at 10:54

FlakGunna said:
The demographic that use Maplin are obviously not clued up about PC tech.

And that's because the majority who use the shop don't use it for PC Tech.
I've been this morning, I needed a right angled 1/4" jack and needed it now plus their batteries are a steal.
Also got a plier set for £5.

Faustus · 28 Oct 2017 at 11:33

Did you mean this - Code: A31QH Maplin £6.99p?

Uther · 28 Oct 2017 at 11:36

Useful for small items when you don't want to wait.We have been totally spoilt by next day delivery at cheap prices by huge tax dodging companies with no retail shops to pay rent on.

Jono8 · 28 Oct 2017 at 11:40

Also, it is Maplin.

FlakGunna · 28 Oct 2017 at 13:17

touch said:
The specification for USB does define max cable lengths and in some cases the max is only 3 metres. Just because your device would probably work fine over those limits doesn't mean she was technically wrong.

USB 3.0/3.1 doesn't specify a max cable length. 3 meter's is the recommended length. She blatantly said ANYTHING over 2 meters needed a special adapter. So yes, she lied to get a sale.

Arazi · 28 Oct 2017 at 14:19

Hades said:
You were doing it wrong. When I was a kid the lingerie section of the Gratton's catalogue was essential reading

Ah, the day of trying to spot the darkness through nickers or a bit of nipple through a bra, those were the days hahaha

e: I think growing up in the 70s and 80s was the best era to grow up as a kid.

NewGamer11 · 28 Oct 2017 at 14:32

They are having credit insurance issues at the moment. A sign they are going down the toilet: https://m.theregister.co.uk/2017/10/24/credit_insurance_tightens_for_maplin/

Caged · 28 Oct 2017 at 14:36

They do tend to occupy the weird space between selling electronic toys - which has Amazon, Argos etc. as competition, and providing electronic components to hobbyists in which case there's Rapid, CPC, RS etc.

It would be a shame if the only way to get random cables quickly is to have an Amazon Prime account though.

SexyGreyFox · 28 Oct 2017 at 14:43

Arazi said:
e: I think growing up in the 70s and 80s was the best era to grow up as a kid.

Not for porn it wasn't.
It was 1979 before I saw a proper porn movie and during the 80s you would be on a two week list before you got your hands on the latest video.
I got into D2Mac satellite in the late 80s and that opened up a few sources

Big Spender · 28 Oct 2017 at 15:25

MissChief said:
Cabling and adaptors have always been very expensive in retail stores with a massive mark up, often over 100%. DSL filters for £9.99, 5m Network cable for the same price etc. As above, they're only really useful in a 'need to now' situation.

I had a 'need to now' situation just last night where my wife's gran was just moved to a nursing home and my father in law took up a tv but didnt have a cable to connect it to the aerial socket in the room, 20 minutes later after a run to maplin at the back of 7pm and I had the cable needed and the tv was working. £5.99 or a 2m male-male tv ariel cable

Glanza · 28 Oct 2017 at 16:08

Some stuff they are cheaper or the same price on higher end and odd ball items but the day to day stuff your paying more to have it in your hand that day.

spoffle · 28 Oct 2017 at 16:23

For lots of non computer hardware related stuff, they seem to be decently priced. I've even seen them cheaper than Amazon and other online places.

Sider said:
My first ever job was at Maplins in my collage years, many a happy memory working there. It was a very confusing shop even back then, it couldn't decide if it was a hobby shop selling electrical parts or a toy shop. I am shocked its still going tbh.

You worked there, but still don't know what it's called?

FlakGunna said:
I went in there once and there was a woman in her late 50s trying to tell me that if I wanted a USB male to female extension cable and it was over 2 meters I'd need a special adapter. God knows what she was smoking other than that she must have thought I was some idiot who she could get a sale out of.

The demographic that use Maplin are obviously not clued up about PC tech.

I wonder if she knew the difference between "have" and "of" though?

FlakGunna · 28 Oct 2017 at 16:36

spoffle said:
For lots of non computer hardware related stuff, they seem to be decently priced. I've even seen them cheaper than Amazon and other online places.

You worked there, but still don't know what it's called?

I wonder if she knew the difference between "have" and "of" though?

Ok "she must HAVE thought" Mr grammar Nazi, feel better now? nothing worse than people correcting other peoples grammar on the internet. It's deplorable, especially since you are human too, right? who also makes mistakes. Do you really have nothing better to do on a Saturday?

something daft already!! · 28 Oct 2017 at 16:42

FlakGunna said:
OK "she must HAVE thought" Mr Grammar Nazi, feel better now? Nothing is worse than people correcting other people's grammar on the internet. It's deplorable, do you really have nothing better to do on a Saturday?

Just trying to help.

I have nothing better to do.

spoffle · 28 Oct 2017 at 16:46

FlakGunna said:
Ok "she must HAVE thought" Mr grammar Nazi, feel better now? nothing worse than people correcting other peoples grammar on the internet. It's deplorable, especially since you are human too, right? who also makes mistakes. Do you really have nothing better to do on a Saturday?

Take a donut cushion, you look like you need it.

FlakGunna · 28 Oct 2017 at 17:07

I bet you two are great at a party. The type you just want to be around! You must lead wonderful, fascinating lives.

Narj · 28 Oct 2017 at 17:08

Maplin/Radio Shack and the like are great when you need something in a hurry. They've saved my bacon when I've needed adapters for work in an emergency - thankfully I can claim back the money on expenses.

SexyGreyFox · 28 Oct 2017 at 17:08

spoffle said:
You worked there, but still don't know what it's called?

Many people still work for Tescos

spoffle · 28 Oct 2017 at 18:54

FlakGunna said:
I bet you two are great at a party. The type you just want to be around! You must lead wonderful, fascinating lives.

Fortunately for you, I don't enjoy parties.

SexyGreyFox said:
Many people still work for Tescos

Ughhhhhhhh don't remind me.

something daft already!! · 28 Oct 2017 at 19:19

You'll always find me in the kitchen at parties.