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.
Best AI Voice Recorders in the UK (2026 Buying Guide)
Best Power Stations UK 2026: Our Top Picks for Every Use Case
How to Prepare for a Power Cut This Winter
UK winters bring storms, and storms bring power cuts — whether it's a few hours after high winds bring down a local line, or longer if a named storm does real damage to the network. October to March is consistently the highest-risk stretch for unplanned outages across the UK.
Here's what's worth having in the house before winter sets in properly - Maplin have all the tech you need.
Ricoh Theta X vs Ricoh Theta Z1: What's the Difference?
Camcorder Buying Guide 2026: How to Choose the Right One
Why Won't My Laptop Connect to Wi-Fi? 9 Fixes That Work
How to Choose the Right Tripod (or Mount) for Your Camera or Phone
Do You Still Need a DVD Player in 2026? A Complete Buying Guide
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: 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? 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.
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.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 13 Review: What's New vs the Mini 12
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?
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?
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.