Maplin ! does anyone actualy use this place

[firemanSimon]

One shop that always look empty every time i pass it. I don't know anyone that has or does use it. Do any PH's use it. If so what for and why ?

[TonyHetherington]

I do - great for odds-and-sods. Connectors, adapters, that sort of thing. Normally in the run up to Christmas when fixing/making/preparing something. For Christmas.

oh...and on a Saturday, ours is always very busy.

[ikarl]

TonyHetherington said:

I do - great for odds-and-sods. Connectors, adapters, that sort of thing. Normally in the run up to Christmas when fixing/making/preparing something. For Christmas.

this.

[firemanSimon]

I actually pop in there one day and have a look around. I must say im guilty of only looking though the window.

[TonyHetherington]

Look at their online magazine - all those little connectors and things they have in all the shops. Many on the shop floor but even more out the back.

They do do other, more big, stuff but it all seems very random - disco lights, walkie talkies, microphone, but my use has always been as I've said. And in there is always a very knowledgebale bloke who can help you get the right thing, too.

[petemurphy]

i occasionally go in and think i want a full cctv system or i must start building a robot then leave and come back next year thinking the same!

[944fan]

The kids pestered me to get fireworks this year. When I heard you could get a remote launcher with "Fire Buttons" from Maplin I was straight down there.

They had bloody well sold out though.

[firemanSimon]

petemurphy said:

i occasionally go in and think i want a full cctv system

Lol im looking for a cctv system for my hut and drive

[_Deano]

Extremely overpriced in my opinion and i avoid like the plague.
To give you an example. I needed a DVI to HDMI cable, Maplin's wanted close to £20 for just over a meter or they could sell me a DVI to HDMI connector for £15.
On-line and two days wait, 2m DVI to HDMI for £3 inc free postage.

I guess that they are only still around due to the (as mentioned above) knowledgeable staff and they offer the bits that you can't really buy in any other high-street shop.

[anonymous-user]

_Deano said:

Extremely overpriced in my opinion and i avoid like the plague.

Cheap Chinese st to boot. The insulation on a lot of their connectors looks barely legal.

[TonyHetherington]

_Deano said:

I guess that they are only still around due to the (as mentioned above) knowledgeable staff and they offer the bits that you can't really buy in any other high-street shop.

More so for me the "I'm in the middle of a job and need a connector/cable/lead NOW"

[TonyHetherington]

petemurphy said:

i occasionally go in and think i want a full cctv system or i must start building a robot then leave and come back next year thinking the same!

SO true!

[TheD]

Overpriced on most stuff that makes it almost insane. I remember a DVDRW for a pc was £48 when they were £18 online. To be fair though they do have stuff that you just can't get anywhere else if you need it quick.

[KaraK]

I'm sure they used to be half decently priced but these days they are just insanely expensive - I pretty much only get stuff from there if I need it there and then.

[TinyCappo]

944fan said:

The kids pestered me to get fireworks this year. When I heard you could get a remote launcher with "Fire Buttons" from Maplin I was straight down there.

They had bloody well sold out though.

any links to this i just want to see it!

EDIT found

http://www.maplin.co.uk/launch-kontrol-remote-fire...

[anonymous-user]

ikarl said:

TonyHetherington said:

I do - great for odds-and-sods. Connectors, adapters, that sort of thing. Normally in the run up to Christmas when fixing/making/preparing something. For Christmas.

this.

This again.

Audio leads/connectors.
Christmas lights.
Batteries.
Weather station for our office.
USB/home network cables.
Tools.

Oh, and they have a great selection of toys for adults who should have grown up but haven't... Radio control power boats, helicopters and monster trucks...

[samuelellis]

got to admit Maplin has come in very handy in the past when im half way though something and need a random connector etc or when something breaks you know that you can basically guarantee the bit you need they will have

[Monty Zoomer]

A few years ago when the biggest hard discs you could buy were 40 or 60GB, Maplins were always the best place I could find for them, and I also bought a PSU and some other stuff.

I don't know what they're like nowadays because the stuff I want always seems to be cheaper somewhere else.

They've got loads of stuff though, so they must be good for something.

[marcosgt]

Christmas tree/stocking presents - I expect everyone will get a tiny torch again

M.

[anonymous-user]

TinyCappo said:

any links to this i just want to see it!

EDIT found

http://www.maplin.co.uk/launch-kontrol-remote-fire...

Pah! you want one of these http://www.wirelessfireworks.co.uk/12cuepro.htm with some of this http://www.wirelessfireworks.co.uk/fuseviscofast.h...