Maplin Electronics

There is a great range of electrical equipment and gadgets available here. The staff are proper electronics boffins and more than happy to give you some advice. There is a good range of electronics components, connectors, etc here. The range of computer components is pretty good too. Stuff for musicians, bands and DJs too.

Friendly staff, but note the map location is incorrect. Actual location is 1 mile south

Maplin electronics is a very good general purpose store for anything that will involve electricity. Whether it’s been finding a step down transformer for my Japanese Dreamcast, cabling or components for a PC network or a random type of screw for a hoover, Maplin will likely have it in.
If you aren’t particularly technically minded they have a section at the back of the store to help advise you with your problem and hopefully supply the item to sort your problem.
Also, they have a good range of random items like remote control cars, helicopters and light systems. You will also find a number of audio and visual equipment at reasonable prices such as stereos, TVs and suchlike.
Whilst you can find similar items cheaper from online stores, they also stock a fairly good range of PC components if you suddenly find your PSU or hard drive blow up. This has certainly saved me in the past when I’ve had an essay deadline looming.
I would agree with Felix on his comments about the staff demeanour. If you are a bit clueless about the teccie stuff they can be a bit dismissive, but I suppose at least they will still help. I guess the stigma of being a tech geek causes angst for some. Aside from that the prices are fair enough to be worthwhile and all in all, a good shop.

I always endeavour to avoid reviewing chains, but such is the technical aspect of this store, they can vary greatly depending on the staff that work within.
Thanfully for the London Road store, the staff generally have seemed particularly skilled when it comes to advising customers on a host of technical issues.
That is not to say the staff are nice, because they really aren’t particularly. That isn’t a massive criticism though, in a shop like Maplin, you expect to be served by the stereotypical socially awkward techno geek.

Maplins are the one stop shop for all things electronic, I love this place for fiddling with things and wondering what they do. They also have the latest range of wired up stuff for the home and business. The staff are always extremely knowledgable and helpful here, which is great because this is one store I almost always need help in.

I needed a reasonably priced Netbook and a 1TB external hard drive. I was hoping that those two items wouldn’t cost a fortune, and after perusing the selection of larger retailers, it seemed as though I was going to be spending more than I had in my wallet. But before I busted out my Mastercard, I decided to shop around some more. That’s when I found Maplin.
Within minutes, I found exactly what I was looking for. This was in part to the staff member who greeted me as soon as I walked in, and offered to help me out. He directed me to a Netbook that had the basic requirements I needed (just for word processing and spreadsheets), and a 2TB hard drive. The total price of those two items was exactly £70 cheaper than the other retailers. It’s the prices that make this store stand out from the rest, so if you’re shopping at other electronic retailers and are thinking of buying the latest hardware for your computer, make sure to compare their prices with what they’re offering at Maplin.

Maplin is a good, honest electronics shop, where unlike in a Curry’s or the like, you don’t feel like they are trying to rip you off. The staff, who can border on the geeky side of cool (which is what you want) are really helpful, though sometimes I don’t know what they’re asking me.
There’s a good selection of cheaper than Apple gear, which does the same job as the official Apple products, but at a much more easy to stomach price.
If your a student, there is a 10% discount too on all products, but you have to remember to ask and show them your NUS card, because most of the time I’ve bought things, they either seem a bit reluctant or shy to ask.
Good place to come if you have any technical needs and you are at a loss, because the staff seem to actually know what they are talking about and can advise you, instead of stare blankly past you as if they’ve just had a lobotomy.

The only way I’d part company with my vinyl collection would be if the house was burning down. Even then, I’d have to try and carry out some of my most treasured items, like my signed Lee Hazlewood 45s and David Axelrod albums.
If I had the inclination however, I could transport my whole record collection into MP3 files to play on my iPod or computer with the help ION Contour turntable from Maplins. It converts each album or 12″ with 6 clicks of a mouse apparently. As does the ION tape express which lets you convert your old tapes. Since I still play my records however, I usually go there for their excellent range of recording equipment, microphones, electronic cables, wires and computer equipment. They also sells TV and satellite equipment like scart sockets and digi-​boxes, lights and DJ equipment.
Now, where did I put that Liquid Liquid album? I feel like some old skool electro hip hop freakery.

What’re five good things about Maplin?
–1. The staff are both informed and informative
–2. The prices are both reasonable and competitive
–3. All sorts of cables and adaptors are available
–4. You can go there feeling confident you’re buying quality products
–5. The stores are well-​stocked and easy to navigates
Sometimes things can be made simple and easy to understand: like this review and like Maplin.