Expert Advice

Is your laptop not connecting to Wi-Fi? Try these 9 quick fixes, from restarting your router to switching to a wired connection with a USB-C to Ethernet adapter.

Stand in front of a wall of Ethernet cables and they all look much the same: a plug, a length of cable, a price tag that varies more than you'd expect. But the "Cat" number printed on the sheath makes a real difference to speed, reliability and future-proofing — and buying the wrong one either wastes money or quietly bottlenecks your network.

Best USB-C hubs UK 2026, reviewed for every budget — from compact 4-port hubs at £8.99 to full docking stations with dual HDMI and Gigabit Ethernet.

Whether you're working from home, gaming online, or streaming in 4K, a wired Ethernet connection delivers faster speeds, lower latency, and far greater reliability than Wi-Fi alone.

Whether you're setting up a home office, streaming a film on a bigger screen, or giving a presentation, connecting your laptop to a TV or external monitor is one of the most useful things you can do with your setup. But how do you get started? Maplin is here to help.

Maplin are here to break down the key differences between HDMI and DisplayPort, compare them head-to-head for gaming and 4K content, and help you figure out exactly which cable belongs in your setup.

Find out what RCA cables are, what the red, white and yellow connectors mean, and which type you need — from stereo audio to composite video and beyond.

Not sure which USB-C to HDMI cable or adapter you need? Our complete buying guide explains how they work, what to look for, and which is right for your device.

USB-C fast charging should make life easier. So when your phone, tablet, or laptop charges painfully slowly, it’s frustrating and confusing. If you’re wondering “why won’t my USB-C charger fast charge?”, the answer is usually not a fault — it’s a compatibility issue somewhere in the charging chain.

While USB-A and USBC-C may look rather similar, they have several important differences in terms of physical connectors, data transfer speeds, power delivery capabilities, and future prospects. In this article, we will explore these differences and discuss the benefits of each type of connector.

At Maplin, we offer a wide selection of cables, adapters and connectivity solutions designed for everyday home use, professional environments and specialist setups. In this comprehensive guide, we answer some of the most common questions about cables.

A clear guide to HDMI ARC and the Maplin HDMI cables that support it, helping you upgrade your home-theatre sound easily.

Troubleshoot USB hub issues with easy fixes. Find out why your hub isn’t working and how to solve common problems with tips from Maplin.

When your HDMI cable isn't working, it can be incredibly frustrating — especially when your screen suddenly says “No Signal” or you’re getting no picture or sound. Maplin explores the most common HDMI cable issues, explain how to fix them, and helps you determine if the problem lies with the cable, the port, or your device settings.

Whether it’s your phone not charging, your screen flickering, or your internet dropping, a faulty cable is often the hidden culprit. Knowing how to diagnose and replace a cable can save you time, frustration, and even prevent hardware damage.

Whether you're working from home, gaming, travelling, or simply charging your devices, having the right cables on hand is essential. The modern home is full of tech devices—from laptops and smartphones to smart TVs and security cameras—and each one depends on reliable cable connections to function properly.

In this post, we’ll break down the top 10 most useful cables everyone should own, why they matter, and how they help you stay connected. Whether you're setting up a home office or just want to be prepared for everyday tech needs, this list will help you stay powered, synced, and ready.