In December 2022, I decided to treat myself to a gaming PC specifically for Microsoft Flight…read moreSimulator. Rather than buying a prebuilt system from Best Buy, I chose PC Laptops because I wanted to support a local business.
Unfortunately, I was pressured into purchasing expensive accessories I didn't need. I already owned a 4K UHD monitor, but they insisted on selling me a special gaming monitor, keyboard, and mouse. I would much rather have spent that money on flight simulator controls, but these extras were presented as necessary to purchase the computer.
They also pushed an expensive annual data backup subscription and installed subscription-based antivirus software I didn't want. I eventually canceled these services in favor of my own solutions.
The final bill was nearly $5,000! To their credit, the computer ran Microsoft Flight Simulator beautifully for nearly four years. Despite my frustration with the purchasing experience, I was pleased with its performance.
Then, in October 2026, the computer crashed during a flight simulator session, apparently due to CPU overheating. Although it still worked, the fans ran constantly, even during basic web browsing. I promptly brought it back to PC Laptops for repairs.
Instead of discussing possible repairs, I was told my computer was too old and needed an expensive replacement. I was also lectured about not bringing it in for annual servicing, as though the problem was somehow my fault. They suggested it might not even be repairable and said it would take a week just to examine it.
After returning home, I reconsidered why I was tolerating this treatment. I drove back, retrieved my computer from a storeroom crowded with other machines, and decided I was finished doing business with PC Laptops.
I've since switched to X-Plane 12 and purchased a Mac Studio for considerably less than another expensive gaming PC would have cost me.
Two stars because the original computer performed wonderfully for almost four years. Unfortunately, building a working computer is the bare minimum I expect from a business charging premium prices.
Edit: I've attached screenshots of the childish humor distributed through their email newsletter, including content mocking prayer. I found it particularly distasteful coming from a Utah business.
Update (October 2026): On Wednesday, October 14, I received a text from Bryan, who identified himself as PC Laptops' vice president. Unfortunately, the conversation accomplished very little. I explained that I'd already purchased another computer, but he offered no practical assistance with the gaming PC his company sold me.
He also seemed unfamiliar with Pepe the Frog or why the newsletter's imagery might be offensive. I found that surprising for someone in the technology industry.
Eventually, I expressed my frustration that the conversation was wasting my time. Bryan said he would forward my complaint to the Layton store manager.
As of October 25, nobody from the store has contacted me.
PC Laptops had an opportunity to restore my confidence in their business. Instead, they reinforced my decision never to return.
