Budget Projectors and Dust: What to Know Before Buying One

You’ve probably seen them on TikTok or Amazon — small, stylish projectors that promise 4K picture and surround sound for under £100. They seem perfect for film nights, gaming, or distracting the kids on a rainy weekend. But after seeing a few come through my workshop in Wickford, I can tell you these budget projectors have one big weakness: dust.

If you're thinking about buying one, or you've already got one that's suddenly sounding like a hoover, here’s what you need to know.

1. Budget projectors aren’t built for the long haul
Most cheap models look decent on the outside but are poorly ventilated inside. The fans pull in air and every bit of dust that comes with it. It doesn’t take long for the internals to clog up, especially if you’re using them on carpets, shelves, or anywhere near a radiator.

I’ve opened up a few of these recently. One was completely blanketed in dust within a few months of light use. No filter, no mesh, just a fan spinning dust straight into the lens and circuitry.

2. The first sign of trouble: fan noise and overheating
You’ll notice the projector getting louder, running hotter, or randomly turning off mid-movie. That’s your cue something inside isn’t happy.

Once it starts overheating, image quality drops and internal components degrade fast. Left long enough, the LEDs or board components can fail entirely. And since most of these projectors aren’t designed to be serviced easily, you’re left either binning it or calling someone like me to carefully open it up and clean it.

3. Cleaning them isn’t always easy, but it helps
The good news is a proper internal clean can bring them back to life, or at least extend their lifespan. I recently cleaned a small LED model for a customer in Wickford. Looked brand new again inside and out, but I warned them it'll likely need doing again in 6 to 12 months.

If you’ve already got one and want to avoid another breakdown, it’s worth booking a quick service. It’s cheaper than replacing it every year.

4. Tips if you’re buying one anyway

• Avoid using it near carpets or radiators

• Raise it off surfaces with something like a laptop stand

• Blow out dust from vents every month with compressed air

• Don’t run it for hours straight without breaks

And if you see “easy to clean” in the reviews, be suspicious. Most are sealed with clips or glue.

Final word
I get the appeal (I’ve got one myself!) These little projectors are affordable and surprisingly decent for the price. But just like with laptops, regular cleaning makes a huge difference in how long they last. If yours is already noisy or getting hot, don’t wait for it to die. I’m happy to give it a once-over and get it sorted.

When to Repair vs. When to Replace Your Laptop

One of the most common questions I get as a local PC repair tech in Wickford is, “Should I just replace it?” Whether it’s a slow boot, dodgy keyboard, cracked screen, or battery that won’t last ten minutes, the repair vs. replace decision isn’t always obvious, especially with new machines marketed like disposable appliances.

At LaunchLayer, I’ve repaired everything from beat-up school laptops to £3,000 gaming rigs clogged with dust. Here’s the framework I use to help customers decide what’s worth fixing and what’s better left at the recycling centre.

1. Age Isn’t Everything — Specs Still Matter
A five-year-old laptop with an SSD and decent RAM (8GB+) will often outperform a brand-new budget machine. If your hardware still has headroom, upgrading the storage or refreshing thermal paste can breathe years of life back into it. I’ve done exactly that for clients with ageing but well-built EliteBooks.

Rule of thumb: If it’s under 6 years old and doesn’t run like treacle after a clean-up, it’s worth a look.

2. Cost of Repair vs. Value of Replacement
If your screen’s smashed and your battery’s dead, and it’s a £150 machine to begin with, it’s not worth the surgery. But a good repair can still come in at half the price of buying new, especially when you factor in software migration and the general headache of setup.

Tip: I always offer free diagnostics. You’ll know what’s wrong and what it costs to fix before you spend a penny.

3. Usage Case: Netflix or Need for Speed?
If you’re just browsing the web, checking email, or watching YouTube, an older machine with minor tweaks will often do the job. But if you're gaming, editing video, or running VM environments, you’re better off upgrading to a system that can keep up with you.

4. Emotional and Environmental Value
Sentimental attachment aside (yes, I’ve met people still hanging onto Windows XP laptops), repair is a more sustainable route. I even wrote a post about giving old tech a new purpose. Extending the life of devices keeps them out of landfill and saves you money.

5. Warning Signs It’s Time to Upgrade

• You can’t upgrade to Windows 11 and need long-term support

• It takes longer to turn on than it does to make a cuppa

• You’ve already repaired it more than once

• It’s physically breaking down (e.g. hinges, casing, power port)

Final Word
If you’re not sure, just ask. I offer honest, no-nonsense advice and I won’t talk you into a repair that isn’t worth it. Pop your device over, I’ll take a look, and we’ll decide together whether it’s a patch-up or pack-it-in situation.

LaunchLayer Featured in Child’s Wish Magazine: Supporting Local Families in Essex

At LaunchLayer, we believe in more than just repairing computers—we believe in community. That’s why we were proud to support the Child’s Wish magazine, a publication dedicated to helping children across the UK experience something truly special.

In their latest issue, we took out an advert to show our support for the incredible work this charity does. Whether it’s helping a child meet their favourite footballer, take a dream trip, or simply escape from hospital life for a while, every story in the magazine reminds us why we’re proud to be a local business in Essex.

Our ad was featured in the printed edition of the magazine, but while the digital version doesn’t list advertisers, we wanted to share our involvement here to mark the occasion and encourage others to explore what Child’s Wish does.

Why We Chose to Support This Cause

We see first-hand how tech connects families—whether it’s a grandparent video calling the grandkids or a child using their laptop for learning and entertainment. So, supporting a charity that brings happiness to children felt like a natural fit for us.

If you’d like to check out the magazine online, you can view it here. You won’t see our name listed, but the stories inside are what matter most.

Want to Support a Local Cause?

We’re always happy to spotlight Essex-based charities or causes that make a real difference. If you run something great, or know someone who does, drop us a message. We might be able to help you spread the word—or fix your dodgy laptop while we’re at it.

What Is Thermal Paste and Why It Matters for Laptop Longevity

If your laptop is running hot, slowing down, or randomly shutting off, the culprit might not be what you think. Often, it's not the fan, dust, or age. It's thermal paste.

What Is Thermal Paste?

Thermal paste is a heat-conductive compound applied between your laptop’s processor (CPU) and the heatsink. Its job is simple but vital — transfer heat away from the CPU so your system can cool itself properly. Without it, your laptop can overheat fast.

Why It Matters

Most laptops leave the factory with decent thermal paste, but it degrades over time. By year three, many devices are already seeing a drop in performance because of it. The paste dries out, cracks, or loses conductivity. Once that happens, heat builds up, throttling the CPU and slowing everything down.

Signs You Might Need a Thermal Paste Refresh

• Your laptop gets hot even when idle

• Fan sounds like a jet engine under light load

• System lags, freezes, or crashes under pressure

• You’ve never had it cleaned or serviced

What Happens When You Replace It?

Reapplying thermal paste and cleaning out the heatsink and fan can drop temperatures by 10–20°C in some cases. That means less strain on the hardware, better battery efficiency, and improved performance without upgrading anything.

How Often Should It Be Done?

Every 2 to 3 years is a good benchmark for most laptops. Gamers, designers, and anyone running heavy software might need it sooner.

We Do This Properly

At LaunchLayer, we offer full internal cleans that include replacing dried-out thermal paste using quality compounds like Arctic MX-4 or NT-H2. No rushed jobs, no half measures. Just cooler, quieter, longer-lasting laptops.

Based in Wickford? We’ve Got You Covered

We provide laptop servicing and thermal repasting across Wickford, Basildon, Billericay, and surrounding Essex areas. Book a check-up or drop us a message if you’re not sure whether it’s needed — we’ll give you an honest answer.

Giving Old Tech a New Purpose: LaunchLayer’s Community Refurb Project

Not all tech has to end up in a drawer or landfill. Some of it still has life left, and sometimes, all it needs is a bit of care to make a real difference for someone else.

Over the last few months, I’ve been thinking about how to make more of the work I already do. I help people every day with PCs, laptops, upgrades, and repairs. But what happens to the stuff that gets replaced? The machines sitting idle in cupboards? Or the ones that still work but just aren’t fast enough for the original owner?

That’s where this new project comes in.

The idea is simple

If you’ve got an old laptop or desktop you’re no longer using, I’ll take it off your hands. I’ll check it over, clean it up, fix what’s fixable, and get it back into the world. This time, it’ll go to someone who genuinely needs it.

That might be a local student trying to keep up with schoolwork. It might be a family on Universal Credit who need something for job applications or online forms. Or it could be a charity that could do more with just one extra machine.

If the machine is salvageable, I’ll rehome it. If not, I’ll recycle it properly.

What I accept

I’m mainly looking for:

• Laptops, working or not

• Desktops or mini PCs

• Screens, keyboards, and mice

• Chargers and accessories

Even if you’re not sure something is useful, feel free to ask. If I can get it working, I will. If I can’t, I’ll make sure it’s disposed of responsibly.

Where the machines go

Once a device is ready, it goes directly to someone who needs it. I’m already working with local schools, youth organisations, and community support services to make sure these machines end up in the right hands.

This isn’t a big charity program or a formal scheme. It’s just something I can do with the skills and tools I already have.

Why I’m doing it

Because working tech should stay useful. And because I know how hard it can be when you don’t have access to it.

Someone’s old or slow laptop might be the only machine another household has. If I can bridge that gap, even a little, it’s worth doing.

Want to help?

If you’ve got something to donate, send me a message or use the contact form on the site. I can arrange drop-off or collection depending on what’s easiest.

And if you’re part of a group or service that could use a few devices, please reach out. I’d love to help.

No pressure. No sales pitch. Just useful tech doing something good.

When to Repair vs. When to Replace (And How to Decide)

It’s one of the most common questions I get, should I fix this, or is it time to move on?

Sometimes the answer is obvious. A cracked screen on an otherwise perfect machine? Probably worth fixing. A decade-old laptop with multiple faults and a puffed battery? Not so much.

But most of the time, the decision falls somewhere in between. Here’s how I usually break it down with clients.

What’s the problem and how big is it?

Start with the fault itself. Is it a simple issue like a clogged fan, slow performance, or a dead battery? Or something deeper, like a failing motherboard or corrupted storage?

The cost and complexity of the repair matters, but so does how likely it is to happen again. Replacing a worn part once might give you another two years of use. Replacing something on a machine that’s already on its last legs might not be the best use of your budget.

How old is the machine?

This one matters more than most people think. Even if your laptop technically works, age brings a few key issues:

• Security updates stop coming.

• Parts become harder to find.

• Performance bottlenecks increase as apps evolve.

If your machine is five to seven years old and starting to feel sluggish or unreliable, you’re often better off putting the repair cost toward something new.

Is it still meeting your needs?

The machine might still run, but if it can’t keep up with what you’re trying to do — video calls, multitasking, light creative work, then fixing it won’t improve the experience much.

A well-serviced machine that’s still underpowered is still going to feel slow.

Are you emotionally attached?

This sounds silly, but it isn’t. Some people have a device they love, or one they just don’t want to give up on yet. If it’s repairable and you’re happy with it otherwise, that’s totally valid. A quick health check can help confirm whether it’s got more life left.

How I usually advise

• If the fault is isolated and the machine is otherwise modern, repair often makes sense.

• If the machine is already struggling and the repair cost is high, it might be time to look ahead.

• If you’re unsure, a proper diagnosis can often make the decision clear without pressure.

Final thoughts

Repairing can save you money and reduce waste. Replacing can give you a fresh start and more performance headroom. Neither is always right or wrong, it depends on the machine, the fault, and how you actually use it.

If you're on the fence, I can run a full check for free and talk you through your options. No sales pitch, just an honest answer based on where you’re at.

Why Some Laptops Wear Out So Quickly (And What to Know Before You Buy)

Not every laptop is built to last forever. And that’s okay.

Sometimes you just need something to get through a course, handle basic admin, or serve as a child’s first computer. But if you’ve ever had a machine that felt slow after only a year or two, there’s usually a reason.

Here’s what makes some laptops age faster than others, and how to know if a budget option really suits your needs.

Cheap doesn’t always mean bad

Budget laptops have their place. They’re ideal when money is tight or when you don’t need something high-powered. But they’re often designed with very specific use cases in mind. When pushed beyond that, they tend to show their limits quickly.

This isn’t a warning against buying one — it’s just a guide to help you make a decision you’ll be happy with.

What you often get with cheaper machines

• Slower storage
  Some still come with hard drives instead of SSDs, and even the SSDs in cheaper models can be basic. That affects startup time, file access, and responsiveness across the board.

• Lower RAM
  Many entry-level models still ship with 4GB. That’s enough to run Windows, but not much else. For multitasking, 8GB is really the minimum.

• Less capable processors
  Basic CPUs can handle web browsing and email, but struggle with heavier tasks. Over time, they also age faster as software becomes more demanding.

• Minimal cooling
  Thin laptops might look nice, but without decent airflow, they can overheat or throttle performance under pressure.

It’s all about expectations

If you're buying a low-cost laptop for basic tasks, it might be perfect. But if you plan to run video calls, juggle spreadsheets, and edit photos, it’ll likely fall short.

A cheap laptop isn't bad — it just needs to match your actual needs. Think of it as a simple tool, not a long-term investment.

What to look for when buying on a budget

• Choose something with an SSD, even a small one. It’s better than a larger but slower hard drive.

• Aim for 8GB of RAM ideally 16 if you can. It will make day-to-day use much smoother.

• Pick a machine with a reasonably new processor. It doesn’t have to be high-end, just not something five years old.

• Don’t overlook the keyboard and screen. Comfort still matters, especially if it’s for daily use.

Good use cases for cheap laptops

• Kids learning to type, research, and use basic software

• A backup machine for email and browsing

• Temporary use while saving for something more powerful

If that’s the goal, a budget laptop can do the job just fine.

Final thoughts

The key is knowing what you’re buying. Budget machines can be great when expectations are realistic. The trouble starts when someone expects them to behave like a high-end model.

If you're not sure what you need, or what you're being sold, I’m happy to help you figure it out. It might be the right tool for now, or it might be worth waiting for something a little stronger.

Either way, it helps to go in informed.

Behind the Scenes – What Actually Happens During a Laptop Service?

Most people know they should get their laptop serviced now and then. But what does that actually involve? What are you paying for when someone says "clean up," "thermal paste," or "health check"?

Here’s what really happens during a proper laptop service, and why it matters more than you might think.

First up: a quick look from the outside

Before opening anything, we start with a visual check. Is the machine running hot? Is the fan noisy? Is performance dragging even on simple tasks?

Sometimes, symptoms like that point to deeper issues inside — things like dust buildup, ageing thermal paste, or battery wear.

The teardown

Next, we open the machine and remove the back panel. This gives access to the fans, heatsinks, thermal paste, battery, and upgradeable parts like RAM or storage.

At this stage we:

• Clear out dust and debris from the fans and vents.

• Check for damage or signs of overheating.

• Inspect the battery for swelling or abnormal wear.

It’s a bit like a car service — we’re looking for small issues before they become big ones.

Thermal paste replacement

Thermal paste helps transfer heat from the CPU and GPU to the heatsink. Over time, it dries out and stops doing its job properly.

We clean off the old paste, prepare the surfaces, and apply fresh high-quality compound. That small step alone can bring temperatures down and extend the life of the machine.

Software and system checks

Once the physical side is handled, we run through:

• Unwanted apps or startup items that slow the system down.

• Missed firmware or Windows updates.

• Signs of malware, bloat, or driver issues.

They’re easy to ignore day to day, but over time, they quietly add up and affect performance.

Optional upgrades

If there’s a chance to improve speed or extend usable life with more RAM or a faster SSD, we’ll let you know. No pressure. Just a clear explanation of what’s possible and whether it’s worth doing.

Final clean and rebuild

Once everything is checked, cleaned, and reassembled, we do a final inspection. We check temps, test fan speeds, and make sure nothing was missed.

You get back a machine that’s not just cleaner, but cooler, more stable, and often noticeably faster.

Final thoughts

A proper laptop service isn’t just about clearing dust. It’s about spotting problems early, improving performance, and getting the most life out of your machine — without overcomplicating anything.

If your laptop’s feeling sluggish or running hot, it might be time. And if you’re not sure, I’ll check it for free and walk you through the options.

Why We Don’t Do Gimmicks (and Why That Matters in Tech Repair)

In the world of tech repair, it’s easy to fall into the trap of flashy offers and buzzwords. Same-day turnaround. “Only today” discounts. Super-speed performance boosts. Free this, guaranteed that.

We’ve seen it. You’ve seen it. And you might have even been burned by it.

At LaunchLayer, we take a different approach. No gimmicks. No pressure. Just real, useful service.

People don’t want drama. They want their stuff to work.

Most customers aren’t chasing some magic fix. They’re just trying to get their machine working again without being upsold, overwhelmed, or locked into something they didn’t ask for.

That’s why our services are built on clarity. No fluff. No surprise costs. And no “optimisation packages” that do very little but sound important.

Why gimmicks happen in the first place

The short answer? It’s easier to sell than it is to solve.

It’s easier to slap a label on a problem and give it a catchy name than it is to explain what’s really going on and fix it properly. Easier to offer fake urgency than to build trust and keep it.

But that kind of shortcut comes at a cost — usually to the customer.

What we do instead

We focus on clarity and honesty, because most people just want to know:

• What’s wrong?

• Can it be fixed?

• Is it worth fixing?

• What does it cost?

That’s it. And if it’s not worth fixing, we’ll tell you. If it is, we’ll explain how and why, clearly and without jargon. If we’re not sure yet, we’ll say that too.

You shouldn’t need a translator or a sales filter to understand what’s happening to your own machine.

We’re not in the business of making you panic

We don’t do “limited-time offers” to push you into booking. We don’t tack on extras that sound impressive but don’t change much. And we don’t use scary-sounding language to make something sound worse than it is.

We just do the job properly, explain it clearly, and let you decide.

Why that matters

Tech support should feel normal. Not intimidating. Not overcomplicated. Not full of smoke and mirrors.

We’ve built LaunchLayer around the idea that repair work should earn trust, not demand it. And that means sticking to the kind of service we’d want for ourselves — simple, respectful, and useful.

Choosing a New PC – What I Recommend (and What I Don’t)

If your current setup is slowing down or reaching the end of its life, you’ll eventually find yourself staring at pages of laptops and towers, wondering what any of it means. Clock speeds, cores, storage types, graphics cards. It’s a lot. And not all of it matters as much as the sales pages suggest.

So here’s a straight answer to a question I get asked all the time: what should I buy?

Start with what you actually do

The right PC for you depends on how you use it. You don’t need a gaming machine to browse the web, and you don’t need a business laptop just because the label says so.

Here’s how I usually break it down:

• Everyday use (email, web, documents):
  You don’t need workstation specs for day-to-day tasks, but you do want it to feel snappy. Look for 16GB of RAM, a PCIe NVMe SSD, and a recent processor like Intel Core Ultra 5 (Lunar Lake) or AMD Ryzen 5 8640U (Strix Point). These chips handle browsing, calls, and multitasking effortlessly—while sipping battery on laptops.

  It’s an easy category to overbuy in—slick sales pages love throwing in buzzwords. If you're unsure, I can help match what you actually need to the right machine, without wasting money on stuff that won’t matter.

• Creative work (photo, video, design):
  If you’re editing photos, cutting together videos, or designing anything heavier than a newsletter, your setup needs to keep up. That means at least 32GB of RAM these days—64GB if you’re working with high-resolution footage or complex layers.

  The newer chips like Intel’s Core Ultra and AMD’s Ryzen AI HX series offer more than just speed—they come with dedicated AI acceleration, which helps with tasks like smart filters, background rendering, and live previews. If you’re working in 4K or doing any GPU-accelerated effects, you’ll want dedicated graphics—an RTX 4060 or higher, or Radeon RX 9070 XT, depending on your preference. They’re powerful, stable, and supported by most creative software.

  As for storage, don’t get caught up in size alone. What matters more is speed. A PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD will save you hours over time, especially when working with large files or loading libraries. Faster drives exist, but they’re noisy, hot, and not always worth the premium unless you know you need it.

• Gaming:
  This depends entirely on what you play. Modern integrated graphics—like AMD’s Strix Point or Intel’s Lunar Lake—handle casual and indie games surprisingly well. But for more visual fidelity, higher frame rates, or 1440p and above, you'll want a dedicated GPU.

  • Mid-range upgrade: RTX 5060 / RTX 5060 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT deliver smooth 1440p gaming and excellent value.

  • Step-up performance: RTX 5070 Ti / 5080 or RX 9070 / 9070 XT bring serious power for high-refresh 1440p and decent 4K, plus AI features like DLSS 4 MFG or FSR 4.

  • Enthusiast 4K / ultimate PC: RTX 5090 and RX 9070 XT (or beyond) are for gamers pushing maximum detail, multi-monitor setups, or top-tier video capture. The RTX 5090 dominates 4K, but power draw and cost are significant.

  Choose based on your resolution target and frame-rate goals—DLSS 4 and FSR 4 offer noticeable boosts, especially if you're stepping up within the same GPU tier

• Remote work or multitasking:
  This is where balance really matters. 16GB of RAM is your starting point, but if you're juggling video calls, spreadsheets, email, and browser tabs all at once, go for 32GB. A fast NVMe SSD keeps things smooth, especially when switching between tasks. Look for CPUs with built-in AI support—like Intel Core Ultra 7 or AMD Ryzen 7 8840U—which help manage background load and keep your machine feeling responsive.

  If you’re not sure what level of power you really need, I can help you figure that out—no upsells, just something that won’t lag behind when you need it most.

What I recommend (most of the time)

• Stick to brands that show the real specs: Lenovo, Dell, ASUS, HP’s business range, Framework, and Apple.

• Always pick SSD storage. NVMe if possible. Never settle for a spinning hard drive unless it’s a second drive for backup.

• Go one CPU tier higher than you think you need, especially if the price jump is small. That extra headroom goes a long way.

• For laptops, pay attention to the screen and keyboard. Great specs don’t mean much if the experience is uncomfortable.

• Buying used or refurbished? Battery health and screen condition are the first things to check, not just the price.

What I don’t recommend

• Don’t go for the absolute cheapest listing. A £300 laptop with a slow hard drive and weak CPU will struggle right out of the box.

• Don’t be distracted by high RAM or storage numbers if the processor is slow. Balance matters more than big numbers.

• Be cautious with brands you’ve never heard of. A glossy spec sheet doesn’t always equal build quality or long-term support.

How I help

I offer free diagnostics and advice if you’re not sure what your current machine can still handle. If it’s time to move on, I’ll help you find something that fits your actual needs, not what’s being pushed in the ads.

If you’ve already bought something and just need help setting it up, I can sort that too. Whether it’s file transfers, updates, software installs, or general setup, I’ll make sure everything works the way it should.

Final thoughts

Buying a new PC doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You just need the right information and someone who’s not trying to upsell you. That’s where I come in.

If you’re stuck, unsure, or just want to run an idea past someone, I’m happy to help.

Gaming Laptops vs. Desktops – Which Lasts Longer and Why?

People ask this a lot, especially when they’re looking to upgrade: should I get a gaming laptop or build a desktop? And the answer, like most good answers, is “it depends.”

There’s no one-size-fits-all here. Both have strengths. Both have drawbacks. And in some cases, they can actually work well together. It really comes down to your requirements, your space, and how you use your setup.

What are you trying to do?

This is the first and most important question. Do you need portability? Do you care about frame rates? Do you want to upgrade parts yourself? Do you edit videos as well as play games?

How you answer those shapes the right decision.

Why desktops usually last longer

If we’re talking raw longevity, desktops have the advantage.

• They’re easier to upgrade. You can swap out graphics cards, storage, even the case and power supply if needed.

• Cooling is better. There’s more airflow, more space, and generally less heat buildup. That matters over time.

• Parts are cheaper and easier to replace. Something breaks? You don’t need to replace the whole unit.

A desktop you build today can be upgraded and adapted for years to come, especially if you buy with a bit of headroom in mind.

Where gaming laptops shine

That said, laptops absolutely have their place.

• You can move them easily. Whether you're travelling, hot-desking, or just like gaming from the sofa while someone else watches TV, they fit around your life.

• They’re space-friendly. Not everyone has room for a full-size rig.

• You get good power in a compact package. Modern gaming laptops are very capable, and some have surprisingly decent cooling setups.

If you don’t mind sacrificing a bit of upgradability for flexibility, a gaming laptop is a smart choice.

Where things start to overlap

A lot of people end up with both. A desktop in the home office, and a gaming laptop for more casual or mobile use. Or maybe the desktop does the heavy lifting, and the laptop is for meetings and lighter tasks.

In some setups, the two can even support each other—shared storage, game streaming, or even using one as a remote editing station.

The lines between the two have blurred a lot in recent years. The important thing is to choose based on how you actually use your tech, not just what looks good on paper.

So which one should you go for?

If you want:

• Maximum performance

• Easy upgrades

• Longer lifespan per pound spent

Go for a desktop.

If you want:

• Portability

• Compact setup

• Good all-round use with solid gaming performance

Go for a gaming laptop.

And if you’re not sure? That’s where I come in.

Need help deciding?

I help people find the right setup for their actual needs—not just specs. Whether you’re thinking of building a rig, buying a prebuilt, or looking at a gaming laptop, I can help you work out what makes sense and what to avoid.

Free diagnostic if you already have a machine you’re wondering about, and honest advice if you’re planning ahead.

No pressure. No sales pitch. Just help making the right call.

How to Tell When Your Laptop Needs a Clean Inside

A laptop doesn’t have to look dusty on the outside to be full of dust on the inside. In fact, most of the mess builds up where you can’t see it—around the fans, inside the vents, and across the heatsinks.

Over time, that hidden buildup causes problems. The laptop runs hotter, louder, and slower. You might not notice it straight away, but the signs start to creep in. The good news is, a clean doesn’t take long, and it can make a big difference.

Here’s how to tell if it’s time.

1. The fans are louder than usual

If your laptop used to be quiet and now sounds like it’s about to take off, chances are the fans are working harder than they should. That often means airflow is being blocked by dust.

You might hear it as soon as you open a few tabs or start watching a video. Fans that ramp up quickly and stay loud are usually trying to cool something that’s getting too hot, too fast.

2. The bottom gets hot (even when you’re not doing much)

A warm laptop isn’t always a problem, but if it’s getting hot while you’re just checking emails or browsing, that’s a red flag. Dust around the internal cooling system traps heat and prevents your CPU and GPU from staying within safe limits.

Over time, that heat can start to degrade internal components. Keeping things cool isn’t just about comfort—it’s about long-term performance.

3. It slows down under pressure

Most laptops can handle multitasking or a few heavy apps without falling apart. But if yours starts lagging, stuttering, or freezing under normal use, it might be heat-related.

Modern laptops throttle performance to keep temperatures in check. So if yours is running hot, it’s probably also running slower than it should.

4. It’s been a year (or more)

If your laptop has never been cleaned inside and it’s more than a year old, it probably needs it.

Dust buildup is gradual. You might not notice anything dramatic, but you’re almost certainly not getting peak performance or cooling anymore.

5. You hear odd noises (clicks, buzzes, scraping)

Not always related to dust—but worth mentioning. If your fans sound off, they might be hitting dust clumps or struggling to spin properly. Sometimes that’s a cleaning issue, sometimes it’s a failing fan. Either way, worth checking.

What a proper clean includes

When I clean a machine, it’s not just a quick air blast through the vents.

I:

• Open it up

• Clean the fans, heatsinks, and internal surfaces

• Replace thermal paste if it’s dried out

• Check for any signs of wear or early damage

It’s part clean, part inspection. And yes, it makes a difference.

Final thought

You don’t have to wait for your laptop to overheat before doing something about it. If it’s been noisy, hot, or acting up—or you just want to know where things stand—I offer free diagnostics and honest advice.

Sometimes all it needs is a clean. And sometimes, that’s enough to make it feel like a new machine again

Why Free Diagnostics Work (and What to Expect When You Book One)

There’s a reason we offer free diagnostics at LaunchLayer, and it’s not just a gimmick. It’s how we make tech support feel normal, approachable, and worth doing before your laptop reaches the point of no return.

Most people wait too long

If you’ve ever ignored a slow startup, a dodgy fan noise, or the screen flickering once and then never again, don’t worry—that’s normal. Most people wait until something breaks completely before asking for help. By then, it’s often more work (and more cost) than it needed to be.

That’s where the diagnostic comes in.

So what is a diagnostic?

It’s a simple checkup. You bring the machine in (or I collect it), and I run a full visual and hardware inspection. No commitments. No fixes done. No fees charged.

I’ll check:

• How hot it’s running

• Fan and airflow behaviour

• System updates and version compatibility

• Battery condition (for laptops)

• Any obvious physical wear or faults

• Any performance slowdowns or noise patterns you’re seeing

Then I’ll tell you what I’ve found and what your options are—from “this just needs a clean” to “time to consider a replacement” (and everything in between).

Why free?

Because I want you to know the facts before you commit to a fix. It’s that simple.

Some people worry they’ll be sold something they didn’t ask for. Others assume “free” means rushed or incomplete. But here’s the thing. When you know what the problem is, you’re more likely to make a smart decision and trust us again if something else goes wrong later.

Diagnostics take time, but they also build trust. And that’s what keeps local businesses like this running.

What happens after?

If the fix is simple (like a clean or a part swap), I’ll quote it up. If the fix isn’t worth it, I’ll say that too. There’s no pressure either way. You can walk away with your machine and a better understanding of what’s going on, or you can leave it with me to sort out.

Either way, it’s a win.

Summary

Free diagnostics make tech support less stressful. They remove the guesswork, help you plan ahead, and often catch issues before they get expensive. And if you do need work done, we’ll be ready to help—fairly, clearly, and without any fluff.

Windows 10 End of Support – What That Actually Means for You

You’ve probably seen the message by now: Windows 10 support is ending in October 2025. If you’re still running it, that might feel like a distant deadline. But depending on your machine and what you use it for, it's worth thinking about now.

Here’s what "end of support" actually means, and what you should do next.

It won’t break overnight

When support ends, your PC won’t suddenly stop working. You’ll still be able to turn it on, check emails, browse the internet, and use your apps. But you’ll be doing it on a system that’s no longer being maintained.

That means no new features. More importantly, no more security updates.

No security updates means more risk

Most security problems get fixed quietly in the background through automatic updates. Once support ends, those updates stop. If a new scam, exploit, or vulnerability is discovered, Windows 10 won’t be patched to protect you.

That creates a growing risk over time, especially if you’re using your PC for things like online banking, email, or shopping.

Software and apps will move on too

Over time, developers will stop supporting Windows 10. Certain apps will stop working properly or won’t install at all. That includes browsers, antivirus tools, business software, and even drivers for things like printers and webcams.

It won’t happen overnight, but it will happen. Usually within a year or so after official support ends.

So what are your options?

There are a few:

1. Upgrade to Windows 11
   If your PC meets the system requirements, I can help upgrade it and make sure everything moves over safely.

2. Replace your PC
   Some older machines won’t run Windows 11 smoothly. If that's the case, I can help you choose a solid replacement without the upsell or guesswork.

3. Do nothing, for now
   If you only use your PC offline or for very light tasks, you’ve got some time. But I’d still recommend planning ahead so you're not caught out when something stops working.

How I can help

I offer free diagnostics, upgrade support, and honest advice about whether your current setup is worth keeping. No pressure. No tech talk. Just a clear check and help if you need it.

You don’t need to do anything today. But if you want to know where you stand, I’m here.

Why Choose LaunchLayer for PC Repairs in Wickford?

When your computer starts acting up, you don’t need confusing jargon or surprise fees — just someone who’ll sort it, explain things clearly, and not waste your time.

That’s where LaunchLayer comes in.

I’ve been fixing and building PCs for years — first for mates and family, now properly as a local business in Wickford. Whether it’s a sluggish laptop, a dying hard drive, or a full custom build, I treat every job like it’s my own machine. Here’s how I work:

Free diagnostics, no-fix-no-fee

I’ll take a proper look at what’s going on — for free. If it’s fixable, I’ll explain the issue and give you a clear quote. If it isn’t worth doing? You won’t owe a penny.

Free collection and delivery

Don’t want the hassle of getting your PC somewhere? I’ll come to you — pickups and drop-offs in Wickford and surrounding areas are completely free. Or you’re welcome to drop it round if you’d prefer.

Quality parts and proper testing

I only use trusted parts from reliable suppliers, and every machine gets a full check before it goes back to you. If I wouldn’t put it in my own PC, I won’t put it in yours.

Straightforward updates, no waffle

You’ll always know what’s going on — no nonsense, no tech overload, just honest advice and clear next steps.

More than just repairs

Need a full upgrade? Want a custom gaming build? Or some help setting up your home or business tech? I offer consultancy too — from Google Workspace setups to GDPR basics.

Ready to get your PC sorted?

I’m local, easy to reach, and happy to help.
Contact me and let’s get it working again.

Introducing Rail Sign for Rail Shine

Introducing Rail Sign (formerly ShineCheck) for Rail Shine

In the world of rail maintenance, keeping a clear record of work is just as important as the work itself. What started out as ShineCheck evolved—after a bit of a naming epiphany—into what we now call Rail Sign: an app we built to streamline how Rail Shine’s operators document completed jobs on each asset. This post is a candid look at how we approached the problem: false starts, frustrations, breakthroughs and all. Think of it like a dev diary from the trenches.

The Problem: Documenting Work Done (Without the Hassle)

Rail Shine’s field operators needed a straightforward way to record each job they finished on a given asset. That sounds simple, but the requirements quickly piled up:

• Attach photos of the completed work (often multiple photos per job)

• Capture the customer’s signature as proof of completion

• Automatically generate a PDF summary of the job’s details (including those photos and signature)

• Email that PDF report to the customer, with their boss CC’d

• Organise everything in Google Drive: all photos and the PDF needed to live in a folder named after the specific asset and job number

In short, we needed to go from an operator finishing a job to a polished PDF report landing in a customer's inbox, with all files archived in a structured way. And we needed to do it without manual effort.

Early Attempts: Over-Engineering an Automation Rube Goldberg

I started where any reasonable person might: AppSheet for form logic, and Google Sheets as the backend. But to automate the rest, I assumed we’d need a Google Workspace upgrade at £20 per user/month just to send emails outside our domain.

To avoid that cost, I duct-taped a system using Zapier and Make. AppSheet fed form data into Google Sheets. Zapier would pick that up to create and email a PDF, and Make would try to relocate the images into a Shared Drive folder. In theory: elegant. In reality: an automated disaster.

It quickly got out of hand. I had:

• Zaps triggering Makes

• Makes looping Drive API calls

• Credentials and webhooks like spaghetti in a drawer

Photos would go somewhere in Drive, but rarely where I actually wanted them. And email? Half the time it failed silently.

One low point was looping multiple image uploads in Zapier. I built five identical steps in case the operator added five photos. If they only added three? The rest just failed. It worked, badly.

Trial and Error: Dead Ends That Taught Me Something

1. Zapier Loop Hack
Chaining five image steps in Zapier got the job done, but it was brittle and ugly. If the job needed six photos (don’t even ask about seven), I'd have to rebuild the whole chain and maybe even split the automation due to step limits. It was a “win” I regretted immediately.

2. The Glide Detour
Thinking AppSheet might be the wrong horse, I rebuilt the app in Glide over a weekend. The UI looked great and PDF generation was simpler, but Glide’s Drive control and automation logic were too limited. We bailed.

These misfires weren’t wasted. They gave me a clear view of what we needed, and just how far I’d been trying to over-solve a problem that already had a native solution.

The Breakthrough: AppSheet Was Enough All Along

The real "aha" moment came when I realised AppSheet could handle all of it natively. I’d already got it generating the PDF and consistently sending emails. My mistake was assuming it had to land in my personal Drive folder.

Here’s what unlocked it:

• PDF Generation: AppSheet was already creating PDFs from templates. The issue wasn’t generation—it was where the file ended up.

• Shared Drive Foldering: I discovered I could set the default AppSheet storage path to a Shared Drive and dynamically generate folder names using formulas like Asset123-Job456. AppSheet would create the folder if it didn’t exist and save everything there: photos and PDFs included.

• Emailing External Users: Despite my assumptions, AppSheet can email external parties, so long as the app is trusted in Google Admin. No Workspace Enterprise upgrade needed.

Once those clicked, the complexity evaporated:

1. Operator fills out the Rail Sign form in AppSheet

2. Submission triggers a bot: generates the PDF, emails it to the customer, and CCs the boss

3. All files are saved directly into a Google Shared Drive in a dynamically created folder

Done. No external services. No duct tape. Just clean automation.

Outcome: From Frankenstein to One-Stop Solution

Rail Sign now runs daily for Rail Shine’s team. Operators hit submit, customers get a polished report, and the office gets clean records in Drive.

Even better? No Zapier subscription. No Make flow management. No Workspace upgrade. Just one AppSheet app doing its job well.

It’s not glamorous, but it works. It’s maintainable. And it's much easier to debug or extend now that everything happens in one place.

Lessons Learned

• Don’t assume your primary platform can’t do something—check first

• Every workaround comes with a tax: money, time, or hair loss

• Shipping small failures is how great products learn and evolve. What matters is that we learn fast and improve faster

Rail Sign now does exactly what ShineCheck set out to do: just cleaner, leaner, and entirely native. And yes, the founders loved the new name.

Job done.