Try VR?
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Don't want to fall fowl of mentioning competitors but the only UK places at the moment would be Overclockers, the place in Bolton that rhymes with flan (think barcodes), who both appear to still be doing demos.
And then 'computer planet' in Reading, Leeds and TCR London where doing - and still may be - doing demos, along with the well know 'posh' shop in Knightsbridge.
Would be worth contacting them first to check before planning any trips.
Outside of that it would be to go to one of the gaming or tech shows that run throughout the year, or check a few forums and see if anyone in your local area is kind enough to do a demo.
edit: should have clarified that the shops listed are for Vive, not sure about the Rift.
And then 'computer planet' in Reading, Leeds and TCR London where doing - and still may be - doing demos, along with the well know 'posh' shop in Knightsbridge.
Would be worth contacting them first to check before planning any trips.
Outside of that it would be to go to one of the gaming or tech shows that run throughout the year, or check a few forums and see if anyone in your local area is kind enough to do a demo.
edit: should have clarified that the shops listed are for Vive, not sure about the Rift.
I firmly believe that, for the good of the community, fellow Ocuk VR owners should open their houses for demos and provide cake and refreshments (and possibly transport to and from their venue).
In return, anyone wishing to take advantage of these offers must turn up with a freshly shampooed head and be free of lice.
In return, anyone wishing to take advantage of these offers must turn up with a freshly shampooed head and be free of lice.
Great, many thanks for that. I want one without ever having tried one, but feel I should before putting down a fair chunk of cash.
I second this motion.
Soldato
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Being local, we rocked up there one day, actually to buy a new cooker... since I'd already bombed up to OCUK HQ of a day and the Mrs isn't geeky enough to do the same, I seized the opportunity and had her try it out there and then... I'm now definitely allowed to get one, when I have the cash and kit to support it.
But regardless - Not a single person queueing up, we went straight in, the guy fired it up and away we went!
Yeah, I was the same. Pretty much knew I wanted to get one of the HMDs this year, even though I kept telling myself it was too early to get into. And I'm kind of kicking myself now for not pre-ordering as soon as it went up on HTC's site.
But as you say, it is a lot of money to pay out site unseen.
My main worry was all the talk of low res, SDE etc. Being a PC gamer who likes to run high/max settings at 1440p and has specifically bought games in the past just because the graphics looked good, I was worried the low res would be too much for me to ignore.
And yes it is a bit of a shock when you first put the headset but once I grabbed the controllers and started using it I knew that was it, I wanted it.
I got fairly lucky with my trip to the TCR, London branch. There was a bit of a queue when I got there but after my go I took the head set off and there where only two people in the queue. One of them worked in the store as a google rep I think for the phones, so he had already had a go and just wanted another quick 5/10mins as he was on a break, the other guy was a normal punter waiting for a go.
So I just re-joined the queue behind them and so only had to wait 20mins or so for a second go and I'd timed it just right as just after I re-joined the queue about 5 or 6 people walked in and queued up behind me.
So luckily I managed to get the two goes on it, almost back to back and including the time it took me to pre-order one I was probably in there a less than 2 hours.
This was on the Monday and they where saying the queues had been so bad over the weekend they'd started booking people in and turning others away.
And nice one for getting the Mrs to try it and approve of the purchase, at least you won't be arguing over the expense. Now you'll just be arguing over who's turn it is to use it.
Soldato
Seriously? Might have to go for a lunch down there then.
Soldato
Spent my lunch hour down there. 15 mins on it. I have to say, considering I just rocked up and put it on, and there was no adjusting to get the lenses/focus right nor the gap on the bridge of my nose resolved, it worked pretty well.
I was expecting a bigger jump in resolution compared to the DK1 that I had a go on, but I don't think it had that much of a negative impact for me. I did notice some screen door, but it wasn't that bad.
On the whole though, it was cool. I left with a smile.
Associate
Any idea if the place in Reading is still doing demos? Do you have to book or just arrive and chance your luck?
Soldato
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- 30 Nov 2011
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Yes they are, theres no way to prebook you just have to turn up and stick your name down, mid week is obviously a lot less busy than weekends
Associate
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- 5 May 2011
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Does anyone know if there is anywhere in scotland (Glasgow or Edinburgh)?
Associate
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- 3 Nov 2010
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- 742
I am happy to demo mine if anyone lives in South Wales
Associate
Went to Reading today, walked in and there was no wait. The guy gave me a 15 minute demo and I was very impressed. Difficult to describe the experience, you have to try it yourself but be warned you may get hooked!
Associate
I was passing Leeds yesterday so asked for a demo, thought I would like to try again even though I've already ordered. The demo guy was not working and was told they only do demos at weekends but if I come back the next day they will fit me in.
I went back in today and the guy set up just for me. He didn't seem to know much about pc specs etc. I don't think he usually done demos. Anyway he put the headset on me and they lenses were dirty which really spoils the experience, I then struggled to focus. I assume you can adjust for focus but that with the dirty lenses really spoiled the experience. It was also very rushed and he spoke the whole was through so it was far less emersive.
It was still very good but the little things make a big difference to the overall feeling.
I went back in today and the guy set up just for me. He didn't seem to know much about pc specs etc. I don't think he usually done demos. Anyway he put the headset on me and they lenses were dirty which really spoils the experience, I then struggled to focus. I assume you can adjust for focus but that with the dirty lenses really spoiled the experience. It was also very rushed and he spoke the whole was through so it was far less emersive.
It was still very good but the little things make a big difference to the overall feeling.