Tuesday 4 December 2012

When will Nokia Lumia 800 be Upgraded to WP7.8? What Date is Windows Phone 7.8 Upgrade Released?

When will the Nokia Lumia 800 get the upgrade to Windows Phone 7.8 (WP7.8)?


At the Gadget Show Live in London this weekend Microsoft had a massive stand showing the new Windows 8 software and Surface tablet also including the Nokia Lumia 920 and HTC 8X running Windows Phone 8. It has previously be confirmed that the Nokia Lumia 800 will not get WP8 update.

Unfortunately the Nokia Lumia 920 is currently only available on EE, Orange and T Mobile so Lumia owners on other networks will have to wait for the upgrade to Windows Phone 7.8 that brings most of the Windows Phone 8 (WP8) features to the Lumia 800 with Mango 7.5 Operating System.

At the Microsoft stand the date given for the availability of the WP7.8 update to Lumia 800 was January 2013 so we don't have very long to wait. We could of course take the plunge, switch to Orange to get the Lumia 920 or use the HTC 8X instead but that would miss out the fantastic Nokia Drive and Nokia Music applications.


When will the Nokia Lumia 800 get the upgrade to Windows Phone 7.8 (WP7.8)?
When will the Nokia Lumia 800 get the upgrade to Windows Phone 7.8 (WP7.8)?

Thursday 15 November 2012

Tesco Mobile Down No O2 Network Signal on 15/11/12?

There seem to be a lot of seaches hitting this blog today (15 November 2012) for Tesco Mobile signal down so it looks like the O2 network may have another fault meaning Tesco Mobile customers have no signal again.

As soon as I find any more info and if there is a widespread problem affecting O2 & Tesco Mobile networks I will post it here

Update on 15/11/12:


Tesco Mobile Down No O2 Network Signal on 15/11/12?
Tesco Mobile Down No O2 Network Signal on 15/11/12?
I've checked my O2 mobile and it is showing a full 3G signal so it looks like this is a localised or intermittent problem with O2 signal down - exactly the same situation as occured last month with O2 network and back in July 2012 as well.

Tuesday 13 November 2012

Nokia Lumia 800 Windows Phone Review - The Smarter Smartphone?

Nokia Lumia 800 Windows Phone Review - The Smarter Smartphone?


Having now had my Lumia 800 for over a month as a trial to decide if I should upgrade to the Lumia 920 Windows Phone 8 I am very impressed with the phone and features compared to my previous iPhone 3GS.

Possibly the most useful feature I have found so far is that you can write text messages when you have no signal and they will automatically send as soon as your signal reappears. One of my major annoyances with the iPhone is that if no signal you have to manually resend a message until it goes - a real pain if you are on a train going through many tunnels!

The key features on the Nokia Lumia 800 for me are as below:

Camera - direct button to access
Music - free downloads
Text sending when no signal
Group text - built into message app via people hub (Never available on iPhone!)
Group contacts into logical groups (family, friends etc)
Reject call when locked
Zune vs iTunes, ease of use
Value for money
Pinning apps to home screen
Live tiles
No need to constantly enter password to install free apps
Speed of web

The downsides of the Lumia 800 are:

Lack of apps and support
Text different mobile for a contact (you can only text one number for a person)

The apps will hopefully improve in time but I would like to see the ability to text multiple numbers for a contact to be resolved in WP8 when it is released.


Nokia Lumia 800 Windows Phone Review - The Smarter Smartphone?
Nokia Lumia 800 Windows Phone Review - The Smarter Smartphone?

Sunday 21 October 2012

How to Forward SMS Text Messages on Nokia Lumia Windows Phone

I've recently switched from iPhone to Nokia Lumia Windows phone and this week wanted to forward an SMS Text Message from my Nokia Lumia phone to a friend.

At the time I couldn't find any option on the Nokia Lumia phone to be able to edit or forward a text message once it was sent. Having got home I checked online and found the answer.

It is possible to forward an SMS text message on a Nokia Lumia phone but you have to press/hold down on the message you want to forward and a new menu will appear that gives you the option to forward it.

This seems to be one of the big differences between Nokia Lumia phone and iPhone - a lot of the context menus require you to press/hold down on the screen in order to display the new menu. On the iPhone many of these menuy links are visible eg forwarding a message has a tick box next to the SMS text that when selected allowing forwarding.



How to Forward an SMS Text Message on Nokia Lumia Phone
How to Forward an SMS Text Message on Nokia Lumia Phone

How to Forward an SMS Text Message on Windows Phone

I've recently switched from iPhone to Nokia Lumia Windows phone and this week wanted to forward an SMS Text Message from my Windows Phone to a friend.

At the time I couldn't find any option on Windows phone to be able to edit or forward a text message once it was sent. Having got home I checked online and found the answer.

It is possible to forward an SMS text message on Windows phone but you have to press/hold down on the message you want to forward and a new menu will appear that gives you the option to forward it.

This seems to be one of the big differences between Windows phone and iPhone - a lot of the context menus require you to press/hold down on the screen in order to display the new menu. On the iPhone many of these menuy links are visible eg forwarding a message has a tick box next to the SMS text that when selected allowing forwarding.


How to Forward an SMS Text Message on Windows Phone
How to Forward an SMS Text Message on Windows Phone

Monday 15 October 2012

Nokia Lumia 920 Release Date

Nokia recently revealed their new Lumia 920 running Windows Phone 8 but didnt give a release date for the handset.

Microsoft have now given the date for Windows Phone 8 (WP8) to be released of 29 October 2012 and the Nokia Lumia 920 will be available from that date.


Nokia Lumia 920 Release Date
Nokia Lumia 920 Release Date

Saturday 13 October 2012

Tesco Mobile Update 13 Oct 2012: Problems Fixed

Tesco Mobile Update 13 October 2012

O2 have announced that the problems with their network are now fixed and that all Tesco mobiles using the O2 network should now be working ok.

If your Tesco mobile still has a problem the advice is to turn it off and back on which should restore the signal. If you had switched off 3G to get the phone working yesterday you should now be able to switch it back on again.

Please leave a comment if you are still experiencing problems with Tesco Mobile or feedback on your experiences yesterday.

Tesco Mobile Update 13 Oct 2012: Problems Fixed

Friday 12 October 2012

Tesco Mobile Down October 2012 - No Phone Signal - 0 Bars Showing

It appears that O2 have another signal/network problem with numbers not working which is affecting Tesco Mobile users - apparently affecting phone numbers across the UK as it isn't limited to a specific region. Despite their network problems O2 is still one of the cheapest places for the new Nokia Lumia phones

Update on O2 Network Problems: 12 Oct 2012 @2100

Apparently a lot of customers are able to get an O2 signal back by turning off the 3G connection on their phones. If you then use WiFi you can still access data services and make calls so it appears there is a problem in the O2 3G network again.

If you're still bored of waiting for your O2 signal to come back you can always check out the modelling photo gallery!

Update: 12 October 2012@ 1908

Problems are continuing - customers all over the UK are affected but not all O2/Tesco customers. 2 Phones in the same location may have one working and one not so it appears to be some form of corruption or error in the O2 database that manages network access which was the same problem that happened in July 2012.

Update: 12 October 2012 @ 1700

We are aware of Tesco mobile customers across the UK that have problems with no signal and unable to make calls from Kent to Birmingham to Scotland.

The details are on the status page of the O2 website but hopefully will not be as major as the outage in July 2012 that affected millions of Tesco Mobile users over 2 days.

You can read about the O2 Network downtime in July 2012 here

GiffGaff Mobile Down No Signal Showing - October 2012

It appears that O2 have another signal/network problem with numbers not working which is affecting GiffGaff Mobile users - apparently affecting phone numbers across the UK as it isn't limited to a specific region.

Update: 12 October 2012 @ 1700

We are aware of GiffGaff mobile customers across the UK that have problems with no signal and unable to make calls from Kent to Birmingham to Scotland.

The details are on the status page of the O2 website but hopefully will not be as major as the outage in July 2012 that affected millions of O2/Tesco & GiffGaff Mobile users over 2 days.

You can read about the O2 Network downtime in July 2012 here

O2 Mobile Phone Numbers - No Tesco Mobile Network Signal Not Working

It appears that O2 have another signal/network problem with numbers not working - apparently affecting phone numbers across the UK as it isn't limited to a specific region.

The details are on the status page of the O2 website but hopefully will not be as major as the outage in July 2012 that affected millions of users over 2 days.

You can read about the O2 Network downtime in July 2012 here

Thursday 11 October 2012

Nokia Lumia iPhone Comparison Review

Having finally taken the plunge yesterday and bought the Nokia Lumia 800 to replace my trusty iPhone 3GS I thought I would write a real-life comparison from a user perspective that may assist others in their choice between Lumia and iPhone.

The biggest difference in appearance has been the screen - the clarity and sharpness is a street ahead of my old iPhone 3GS. The latest iPhone 5 may have a better screen than the 3GS but the Nokia Lumia 800 still compares very well.

So far the biggest positives have been:
  • Excellent screen, both resolution and clarity/colours
  • Spellchecker and autocorrect far more useful than iOS/iPhone
  • People hub to connect social activity is fantastic and the level of integration is great
  • Group texting! Something that was never possible on iPhone. On Lumia, create a group and choose whether you want to email or text the members - simple!
And the negatives
  • Limited apps eg no Dropbox
  • Fonts take some getting used to
  • Screen actions differ to iOS/iPhone eg hold to delete
  • No dedicated silent button as per iPhone
Overall with less than 24 hours usage I am very impressed with the phone and cannot wait to see the improvements with the Windows Phone 7.8 update and test the new Lumia 920 with WP8 when it is released.

Thursday 4 October 2012

How to Display Lumia Status Bar Signal Information?

The Nokia Lumia 800 smartphone runs the Windows 7.5 Mango operating system.

One feature that I have found is that the status bar shows when the phone is locked displaying information such as mobile network signal strength, battery life, WiFi connectio & time.

However once the phone is unlocked this information is no longer shown by default on the home screen status bar. There appears to be no way to alter this to permanently display the details but if you need to view the information it is possible to tap the status bar area at the top of the Lumia 800 screen and the signal strength and network type will be shown.

Tuesday 2 October 2012

Nokia Lumia 800 Owners Review

Having finally taken the plunge yesterday and bought the Nokia Lumia 800 to replace my trusty iPhone 3GS I thought I would write a real-life review from a user perspective that may assist others in their choice.

The biggest difference in appearance has been the screen - the clarity and sharpness is a street ahead of my old iPhone 3GS.

So far the biggest positives have been:
  • Excellent screen, both resolution and clarity/colours
  • Spellchecker and autocorrect far more useful than iOS/iPhone
  • People hub to connect social activity is fantastic and the level of integration is great
  • Group texting! Something that was never possible on iPhone. On Lumia, create a group and choose whether you want to email or text the members - simple!
And the negatives
  • Limited apps eg no Dropbox
  • Fonts take some getting used to
  • Screen actions differ to iOS/iPhone eg hold to delete
  • No dedicated silent button as per iPhone
Overall with less than 24 hours usage I am very impressed with the phone and cannot wait to see the improvements with the Windows Phone 7.8 update and test the new Lumia 920 with WP8 when it is released.

Nokia Lumia 800 Owners Review
Nokia Lumia 800 Owners Review

Sunday 30 September 2012

Cheapest Nokia Lumia 800/710/610 Phone Prices

Looking for the Cheapest Nokia Lumia 800/710/610 Phone Prices?


As of 30 September 2012, the price of the Nokia Lumia 800 mobile phone, the former flagship of the Nokia Lumia Windows mobile phone range has dropped massively in the UK at some mobile stores making the Lumia 800 one of the cheapest smartphones available.

Nokia Lumia 800 price crash / Lumia Price drops
Cheapest Nokia Lumia 800 prices / Lumia Price drops

While Carphone warehouse are still selling the Nokia Lumia 800 for £379 sim-free the price has been reduced to £149 at O2 stores and to £159 at Orange shops and Sim-free for £179 at Phones4U. These reduced prices are in advance of the new Windows phone 8 release in oct 2012 with the new Nokia Lumia 820 and Lumia 920 models announced.

The cheapest Nokia Lumia 800 that I have found is £129.99 from Phones4U when you upgrade a PAYG SIM that has credit on it. So if you have an old Sim lying around then use it to get a cheaper upgrade. The phones sold by Phones4U are unlocked so can be used on any network. The Sim free cost is £179 or with a PAYG deal the Lumia 800 costs £159 plus £10 airtime credit.

That is a saving of over £200 compared to the price at Carphone Warehouse and the previously charged price before Oct 2012. The Lumia 710 and Lumia 610 have also had their prices cut but the Lumia 800 now appears to be the best value of all the Nokia phones.


Presumably Nokia are keen to clear their shelves prior to the release of the new phones and hence the price cuts on the Lumia 800. Various articles online refer to price cuts on the Lumia 800 of around 10-15%, these Lumia price cuts are far more dramatic and are of the order of 60% dropping the Lumia 800 price below that of the Lumia 710 and 610 models.

Cheapest Nokia Lumia 800 Phone prices - not a Carphone Warehouse

As a sign of how drastic these Lumia price drops are, I also saw a Lumia 800 for sale in a second hand store for £230 and on Ebay they are still being sold second hand for £150+. Crazy when they are now that price new!

Migrating from iPhone to Nokia Lumia

Are you looking at migrating from iPhone to Nokia Lumia/Windows Phone? This page will detail my experiences as I move from my iPhone 3GS to the new Nokia Lumia 800.



The data to move from the iPhone to Nokia Lumia/Windows Phone/Windows Mobile is:
  • Text messages
  • Contacts
  • Photos
  • Music
  • Apps

Out of these the only really problematic one is Text Messages. If you are using a Cloud based service such as Google then all your contacts will automatically be backed up and when you sign into your new Windows Phone/Nokia Lumia then all the contacts will automatically be added to the phone.

Nokia Lumia 800 price crash / Lumia Price drops

Prices of Nokia Lumia 800/710/610 Falling Rapidly


As of 30 September 2012, the price of the Nokia Lumia 800 mobile phone, the former flagship of the Nokia Lumia Windows mobile phone range has had it's price slashed in the UK at some mobile stores.

While Carphone warehouse are still selling the Nokia Lumia 800 for £379 sim-free the price has been reduced to £149 at O2 stores and to £159 at Orange shops and Sim-free for £179 at Phones4U. These reduced prices are in advance of the new Windows phone 8 release in oct 2012 with the new Nokia Lumia 820 and Lumia 920 models announced.


Nokia Lumia 800 price crash / Lumia Price drops
Nokia Lumia 800 price crash / Lumia Price drops

Presumably Nokia are keen to clear their shelves prior to the release of the new phones and hence the price cuts on the Lumia 800. Various articles online refer to price cuts on the Lumia 800 of around 10-15%, these Lumia price cuts are far more dramatic and are of the order of 60% dropping the Lumia 800 price below that of the Lumia 710 and 610 models.

As a sign of how drastic these Lumia price drops are, I also saw a Lumia 800 for sale in a second hand store for £230 and on Ebay they are still being sold second hand for £150+. Crazy when they are now that price new!

Tuesday 25 September 2012

iOS6 Apple Maps Problems - Errors with Locations

iOS6/iPhone5 Apple Maps Problems


Problems with the iPhone 5 and iOS6 Apple Maps having serious errors have been widely reported with incorrect place locations and map errors across the world.

In the UK it is reported that Dudley has disappeared from the map, Old Trafford is in the wrong location and other towns do not appear anywhere on the map. The underlying mapping data is provided by TomTom which makes the mistakes in the iPhone 5 maps even more bizarre.

iPhone 5 / iOS6 The Mobile Cliffs of Dover



iOS6 Apple Maps Problems - Errors with Locations - WHite Cliffs of Dover
iOS6 Apple Maps Problems - Errors with Locations
This is one example from the UK with the White Cliffs of Dover now appearing several miles inland. At the weekend the White Cliffs of Dover appeared at Deal so they seem to be rather mobile at the moment but at least Apple are trying to update the maps in iOS6 as a result of feedback.

With climate change and coastal erosion maybe Apple are already planning the maps of 2050 and this is where the White Cliffs of Dover will be by then!

Wednesday 12 September 2012

iPhone 5 Features Released

Apple has finally released the feature list for the iPhone 5 and having not jumped on the iPhone 4/4S bandwagon sticking with my iPhone 3GS I think I will be upgrading this time.

The key headline features of the iPhone 5 are:

  • New A6 processor, apparently twice the speed of the 4S.
  • Larger 4" screen with 16x9 widescreen ratio
  • Less reflective screen and integrated aluminium/glass case
  • 4G data connectivity - only on Orange/T-Mobile in UK initially
  • Improved 8Mp camera
  • New connector to replace current 30 pin

So when can we get hold of the iPhone 5 in the UK? Apparently the UK release date is 21 September so get your order in quick!

Wednesday 5 September 2012

New iPhone 5 Release Date?

Rumours are flying about the new iPhone 5 Release Date as Apple have announced an event on 12 September to reveal a new product. This is strongly rumoured to be the iPhone 4S replacement likely to be known as the iPhone 5.

New iPhone 5 Release Date?
New iPhone 5 Release Date?
The flyer sent out to invite attendees shows a 12 for the date with a 5 reflected below it sparking the rumours that this will be the iPhone 5 launch.

Sunday 5 August 2012

Watching Olympics Live Streaming to your Mobile

I was out last night and wanted to watch Jessica Ennis running in the 800m heptathalon final. I've had the BBC iPhone app for some time but never tried the live streaming option on it.

Flicked on the streaming option and the live feed of the final pops up on the screen. Amazing being able to watch it live waiting on the station platform. So if you are wanting to watch the London 2012 Olympics Live via Streaming on your iPhone or mobile the BBC News app is perfect. Not sure if it works outside of the UK or if you have to be connected to a UK mobile network to be able to view live events but the picture was great and no lagging. And the best bit is that it is free!

Thursday 12 July 2012

O2 Network Failure Latest Update - Tesco Mobile Outage

Latest update on O2 Network failure on 11/12 July 2012 also affecting Tesco Mobile and GiffGaff

O2 have now said that the problems are resolved with their 2G network and service is returning to normal. 3G should start to return during the day.

If you still have no signal or are unable to make calls then switching your phone to 2G only may resolve them but remember that if you are using the internet anyone calling you will go direct to voicemail.

Are you are still having problems with O2/Tesco Mobile? If so post your location and problem below so we can get a picture across the UK

Tesco Mobile Network Down - O2 Latest Update



Tesco Mobile / O2 Network Down with No Signal 

Tesco Mobile users are continuing to have problems making calls and sending texts across the UK. It isn't geographical as the people I know with no signal are in totally different parts of the UK from Manchester to Kent & Sussex.

If you are having problems please leave a comment to help show what areas are affected across the UK and how many people are affected by this problem with O2 which also covers Tesco Mobile and GiffGaff phones which use the O2 network.

UPDATE - 1000 on Thursday 12th July 2012 

Tesco Mobile have no updates on their website about why Tesco Mobile users have no signal but at least their website is working unlike O2. O2 have stated that the problem is "affecting thousands". Based on the number of people I know on O2 that are still unable to make calls this is a gross underestimate of the numbers affected. I would guess it is in the millions not thousands.
The problems are still continuing today and from Manchester to London to Eastbourne & Dover O2 mobiles are still unable to make calls. Some are showing full signal but still not able to make calls or send texts. Others have no signal at all. O2 have stated the problem is due to a failure in their core network but it has also now caused their website to crash so users are unable to check status updates.
.
One suggestion to resolve the problem has been to turn off data roaming if you have a smartphone like the iPhone but this may not work with all affected phones. Someone else has suggested that one factor may be whether phones have an original O2 number or were migrated from other networks but this may not be a common factor.

UPDATE - 11pm on Weds 11th July 2012 
O2 have issued a statement that the problems are due to a failure in their core network. Friend's mobiles are still showing no signal nearly 12 hours after it started.

This problem also is affecting Tesco Mobile and Giffgaff networks which piggyback on the O2 transmitters so are impacted by failure of any parts of the O2 mobile phone network. Amazingly considering the extent of the outage and disruption across the UK the Tesco Mobile website has no information at all about the problems and the O2 website has crashed under the volume of hits.

O2 No Signal Network Down (Tesco Mobile / GiffGaff unable to call problems)


O2 Network Down with No Signal  (so also affecting Tesco Mobile and GiffGaff)

O2 users are continuing to have problems making calls and sending texts across the UK. It isn't geographical as the people I know with no signal are in totally different parts of the UK from Manchester to Kent & Sussex.

If you are having problems please leave a comment to help show what areas are affected across the UK and how many people are affected by this problem with O2 which also covers Tesco Mobile and GiffGaff phones which use the O2 network.

UPDATE - 0845 on Thursday 12th July 2012 


O2 have stated that the problem is "affecting thousands". Based on the number of people I know on O2 that are still unable to make calls this is a gross underestimate of the numbers affected. I would guess it is in the millions not thousands.
The problems are still continuing today and from Manchester to London to Eastbourne & Dover O2 mobiles are still unable to make calls. Some are showing full signal but still not able to make calls or send texts. Others have no signal at all. O2 have stated the problem is due to a failure in their core network but it has also now caused their website to crash so users are unable to check status updates.
.
One suggestion to resolve the problem has been to turn off data roaming if you have a smartphone like the iPhone but this may not work with all affected phones. Someone else has suggested that one factor may be whether phones have an original O2 number or were migrated from other networks but this may not be a common factor.

UPDATE - 11pm on Weds 11th July 2012 
O2 have issued a statement that the problems are due to a failure in their core network. Friend's mobiles are still showing no signal nearly 12 hours after it started.

O2 Network Down (Again) with No Signal
O2 Network Down (Again) with No Signal
This problem also is affecting Tesco Mobile and Giffgaff networks which piggyback on the O2 transmitters so are impacted by failure of any parts of the O2 mobile phone network. Amazingly considering the extent of the outage and disruption across the UK the Tesco Mobile website has no information at all about the problems and the O2 website has crashed under the volume of hits.

Wednesday 16 May 2012

Free Unlock Codes for iPhone on Vodafone network

If your iPhone 3GS or iPhone 4/4S is with Vodafone in the UK then they will unlock it for free. You have to request this via the Vodafone website and it takes up to 14 days but they do unlock the iPhone for you and it is free so no cost to you. Your phone must be out of contract to do this. In contrast O2 in the UK charge £15 for unlocking iPhones locked to their network - so well done Vodafone!

Free unlocking of iPhone with Vodafone network
This saves having to try to Jailbreak your iPhone to unlock it and then the risk of not being able to update your iPhone with firmware releases.

You can request the Unlock code for your Vodafone iPhone here

http://help.vodafone.co.uk/system/selfservice.controller?CONFIGURATION=1000&LEVEL_ID=1131&PARTITION_ID=1&CMD=VIEW_ARTICLE&LANGUAGE=en&COUNTRY=us&FEATURE_TOP_ID=1088&PARENT_TOPIC_ID=1088&TOPIC_ID=1135&ARTICLE_ID=2688&DISPLAY=SUBTOPICARTICLES&HANDLERMODE=NOJSPAGE

Tuesday 15 May 2012

NEW PRIMETIME PROPERTY PROGRAMME OFFERING ASPIRATIONAL MAKEOVERS FROM TOP DESIGNERS

I am working on an exciting new property programme for a major TV channel.  The show will transmit in a prime time slot.

We are currently looking for homeowners who would like the opportunity to have a top interior designer revamp their home, creating an aspirational and visually stunning transformation.   

The criteria is quite specific in that I need three households who all live in architecturally identical properties, for example all 3 houses might be a Victorian terraced or a 1930’s semi or they could all be Georgian townhouses.    

I wondered if this might be something for your members/parents and I would be grateful if you would consider bringing the show to their attention.    
Splash Media are an independent television production company founded in 2006 by ex BBC Head of Entertainment Jane Lush and BBC Executive Fenia Vardanis.
We have developed and broadcast successful property shows in the past such as Fantasy Homes by the Sea and Celebrity Fantasy Homes with Gaby Roslin, Piers Morgan On…Dubai/ Monte Carlo/ Sandbanks etc for ITV1 and we are currently in production with a new property series called Marbella Mansions. Splash Media has experience of working with major British Broadcasters making a wide range of programmes including James Martin’s Operation Hospital Food for BBC ONE, Great British Hairdresser for E4 and Cleverdicks, a new quiz hosted by Ann Widdecombe for SKY.
I look forward to hearing from you

Best wishes

Sarah Allen
Casting Producer
Splash Media
SarahAllen@splashmediatv.co.uk

Tuesday 8 May 2012

SLR Hut Reviews - Feedback and Some Facts about SLR Hut


Are you looking to buy a camera from SLR Hut and are wondering is SLR Hut a scam? DO you want feedback on if you have to pay UK duty when you order goods from SLR hut?

There are many reviews of online retailer SLRHut.co.uk on Trusted Pilot  website. Look a bit closer and the majority, if not all, of the reviews appear to be faked. It is highly unusual for people to create a single review of one supplier and never comment again - almost every review of SLR hut is by someone who has not reviewed any other company which makes it look like SLR hut themselves have created the reviews. All other Google searches show people asking questions but no reviews.

What are the facts about SLR Hut.co.uk selling electronic goods in the UK?

1) Despite their website title saying "SLRHut - consumer electronics in UK", SLR hut are not based in the UK but operate from the USA out of Brooklyn, New York.

2) The address they quote in London is just a mailbox next to a takeaway, it is not a store at all and no staff work there

3 ) SLR hut website was only created in 2011.

4) All goods will be supplied from the USA as grey imports so you will not have a UK warranty. You may have more to pay and US 2 pin plugs on the chargers.

5) Their phone number may be a London number but it diverts to the USA as shown by the opening hours which are USA office hours not UK

6) Prices shown do not include UK taxes, VAT or duty. The checkout process adds to the price but you have no guarantee that you will not be hit with more duty when the goods are delivered.

7) SLR hut claim to have been trading in the USA for 10 years but there is no company of that name trading in the USA. The SLR hut.COM website is the same as the UK one so is not usable by USA customers as all prices are in pounds. 

8) Fake reviews on the web to give impression of a genuine company - real companies do not need to create fake reviews as real customers create real feedback for them.

Based on all the above facts would you trust a company to resolve any problems if it misleads in this way  if you did buy your iPad or DSLR camera from them?

SLR hut reviews - cheap ipads, cameras, camcorders
Thinking about all these points when looking at an online retailer to buy your iPad 3, DSLR camera or camcorder from. Companies like Amazon or Park Cameras may be higher priced but at least you have a guarantee. Alternatively a Hong Kong retailer such as Digital Rev will cover duty costs and have operated for several years with much genuine feedback from real customers.

We decided to use Park Cameras for our Canon 5DII and had excellent service.