FAQs

What makes and models of computers do you work on?
Yes. We can work on any laptop regardless of the make or model, even if it was not bought within the EU. We have particular expertise in far eastern clone models and ODM laptops, including Clevo, ECS and Mitac. Even if your laptop is unbranded or is a generic model, we can still repair it. We also repair all Apple Mac PC’s and Laptops.

I live in Portsmouth, can I bring my computer in for repair?
Yes. Our workshop and retail presence is open to the general public. We are located in central Southsea on the main Albert Road shopping area. Our store is approximately half way between the Kings Theatre and the Crossroads, just opposite Southsea Junior School and the 5th Hants Volunteers Arms.

Do you give me the costings before you fix my computer?
Yes. We always give you an exact quote before going ahead with any work, and will not start any repair without your prior confirmation. Please ensure you are reachable on your supplied contact telephone number or email address to avoid any unnecessary delays.

Can you repair software faults if all the hardware is ok?
Yes. Our workshop staff have full experience in both hardware and software repairs. If our diagnostic test does not flag up a problem with the hardware inside your laptop then we are also able to fully repair any software issues that you may be experiencing. We are usually able to repair such problems in-place, without affecting your data or re-installing your operating system. We can fix software issues on Windows, Linux and Apple Macintosh systems.

What if the repair costs too much and I dont want it fixed?
On the odd occasion, the price of the repair is sometimes higher than the value of the laptop. This is particularly true of older laptops. In cases like this we always have several other options available to you. If you want your laptop back, there is a return fee of £35 which includes our time for diagnosing and inspecting your laptop, courier costs and any further charges that we may have incurred. If you don’t need your old laptop any more then we can safely dispose of it in accordance with WEEE regulations free of charge. This also applies to collections that have been made but you have opted to pick up the machine from us directly as opposed to arranging a return delivery. We can recover any personal data that you require, and we can also produce an insurance report outlining the faults if you wish to claim on, for example, a new for old home insurance policy. There are many options available, and usually we will be able to find a solution suitable for you.

My computer has personal and private data on it, will that be lost?
No. We never remove or otherwise touch your data unless we are required to for backup purposes, and we’ll always talk you through the process before we do that. Your data is never erased by us, and we do not examine files or documents of any description because we are not required to do so to complete the repair. We are trusted by larger companies and have worked with corporate clients in London and Birmingham in the past.

What payment methods do you accept?
PC Ideals accept all major UK credit and debits cards (including Visa, Mastercard, Switch, Solo, and Maestro). We also accept PayPal and Google Checkout as a secure means of online payment.

Can you pickup and return my PC from any where in the UK?
Yes. Our courier will collect from anywhere in the UK, including the Channel Islands and other remote areas that Royal Mail and many other couriers do not collect from or deliver to. We will cover all expenses in getting your laptop to us. Our couriers are all fully insured and we use solid packing materials to ensure a safe return to you once the repair is complete.