Expert Advice

Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a DIY electronics hobbyist, or just curious about the latest gadgets, you've come to the right place.

Our Expert Advice blog is here to guide you through the world of technology with practical tips, step-by-step tutorials, and insights into the latest innovations. From home electronics and audio setups to computing and maker projects, we share advice you can trust. Straight from the experts at Maplin.

Explore, learn, and get inspired to make the most of your tech.

Ricoh Theta X and Ricoh Theta Z1 compared

Ricoh Theta X vs Ricoh Theta Z1: What's the Difference?

Ricoh Theta X or Theta Z1? Compare sensors, resolution, video, battery and price to see the key differences and choose the right 360 camera.
A man recording with a Praktica camcorder

Camcorder Buying Guide 2026: How to Choose the Right One

Still shooting on your phone? Our camcorder buying guide covers 4K, zoom, stabilisation and waterproofing, plus our top picks for every budget.
Laptop with error

Why Won't My Laptop Connect to Wi-Fi? 9 Fixes That Work

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.
Praktica tripod on a rock

How to Choose the Right Tripod (or Mount) for Your Camera or Phone

Choosing a tripod or mount for your camera or phone? Our buying guide covers tripod types, head styles, and mounts, plus picks like the Joby GorillaPod.
Do You Still Need a DVD Player in 2026? A Complete Buying Guide

Do You Still Need a DVD Player in 2026? A Complete Buying Guide

Wondering if a DVD player is still worth it in 2026? Our buying guide covers what to look for, plus the Oakcastle DVD120 and DVD175 portable players
MC4 cables and connectors explained

MC4 Connectors and Cables: The Small Plug Making Plug-In Solar Possible

Behind almost every solar panels sits the same unassuming component: the MC4 connector. It's not glamorous, but it's arguably one of the most important pieces of hardware in the entire solar industry.

plug-in solar and old fuse boards

Plug-in Solar and Old Fuse Boards: What You Need to Know Before You Buy

If your house still has an old-style rewireable fuse board — the kind with brown Bakelite fuse carriers and coloured dots rather than modern switches — there are some important checks to make before you plug anything in.

how do plug-in solar panels work?

How Do Plug-In Solar Panels Work? A Plain-English Guide

No jargon, no assumed electrical knowledge — just a clear walkthrough of what happens between the sun coming out and your kettle running on it.

Roof prism and porro prism binoculars

Porro Prism vs Roof Prism Binoculars: What's the Difference?

If you've been shopping for binoculars, you've probably noticed two distinct shapes: one with a wider, stepped body, and one with a slim, straight barrel. That's the difference between porro prism and roof prism designs — and it affects far more than just looks.

Instax Mini 13 in different colours

Fujifilm Instax Mini 13 Review: What's New vs the Mini 12

The Instax Mini 13 is here. We break down what's actually changed vs the Mini 12, full specs, pricing and colours, and whether it's worth upgrading.
what is a microinverter

What Is a Microinverter? Solar Panel Microinverters Explained

Here's what microinverters are, how they work, and why they matter whether you're planning a full rooftop array or a single panel on the balcony.

how do WiFi extenders work?

How Do WiFi Extenders Work?

Dead spots in the bedroom, buffering in the garden office, one bar in the kitchen — most homes have somewhere the WiFi just doesn't reach. A WiFi extender is the simplest and cheapest fix. In short: a WiFi extender picks up your router's existing wireless signal, boosts it, and rebroadcasts it — pushing coverage into the rooms your router can't reach on its own. Here's how that works, and how to decide whether an extender is the right solution for your home.

What wattage power bank do I need?

What Wattage Power Bank Do I Need?

Shopping for a power bank and confused by the wattage numbers? You're not alone. Between 10W, 20W, 45W, 65W and 100W models, it's hard to know what's overkill and what will leave you waiting hours for a charge. The short answer: 20W–30W is ideal for phones, 45W for tablets and small laptops, and 65W–100W for full-size laptops. Here's how to work out exactly what you need.

what is a smart plug?

What Is a Smart Plug and 10 Ways to Use One

If you've been curious about smart home tech but don't know where to start, a smart plug is the answer. It's the cheapest, simplest gadget in the smart home world — and arguably the most useful. For less than the price of a takeaway, you can make almost any appliance in your house controllable from your phone. Here's everything you need to know, plus ten practical ways to put one to work.

Binoculars for stargazing

Best Binoculars for Stargazing & Astronomy (UK Guide 2026)

Which binoculars are best for stargazing? Our guide covers what to look for in astronomy binoculars, our top picks for the night sky, and what you can actually see — from lunar craters to the Andromeda Galaxy.
Cat5e, Cat6 and Cat7 Ethernet cables

What's the Difference Between Cat5e, Cat6 and Cat7 Ethernet Cables?

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.