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Authorized Computer Repair
Category: Local Services IT Services & Computer Repair IT Services & Computer Repair [Edit]
1700 Martin Luther King Jr Way(between Virginia St & Francisco St)
Berkeley, CA 94709
Neighborhood: North Berkeley
(510) 786-7103
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 9:30 am - 6 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
26 reviews for Authorized Computer Repair
26 reviews in English
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Review from Camille T.
Berkeley, CA
2/9/2012
This review is so overdue I am ashamed for Jonathan to even see it, but I shouldn't let my shame get in the way of well deserved kudos.
Jonathan is a really stand up guy. He would call and check in when I was taking a while to get insurance stuff figured out, he worked with me on the pricing to make sure that I was covered for the entire repair, AND when the price of parts looked to be more than what he had quoted me initially, it wasn't a problem. He didn't have to stick to that quote, he could've been like most auto mechanics and shrugged his shoulders and said something about the economy and how God is unfair, but he didn't. I really enjoyed working with Jonathan and Authorized Computer Repair.
Very fair, very honest, and very friendly!
I cannot say anything about whether their pricing is high or low since this is the first time I've had that computer repaired outside of warranty, but I appreciate Jonathan's honesty and follow through. I believe that these positive feelings are worth any possible extra expense because I didn't feel nervous about calling him if something had gone wrong with the computer after I got it back. That is way more than what I can say for some of the guys who've worked on my car. Sometimes you don't want to call them back, because what if they messed it up in the first place, right? I don't believe Authorized Computer Repair would do that. They're pretty solid. -
Review from John Z.
10/13/2011
Such a disappointment after reading the great Yelp reviews, and first impressions of their services. Driving home with my computer from their store after dealing with their people from my initial visit, I was already compiling a glowing five-star review. The staff was friendly, articulate, and seemed to know their stuff. My iMac had a hard drive failure. Unfortunately their diagnosis called for what I was told would be the worst-case scenario: recovering and transferring the old drive's data to an external drive, replacing the iMac's with a brand-new one, and transferring the data back. It was over $500 but felt it was worth it.
Once I got the computer back home and re-connected, there were problems. All due to their lack of explanation or thoroughness. A failure to check my CD/DVD drive (it coincidentally stopped working after returning the computer home, even after almost 4 years of dutiful function and a diagnostic at the Apple Store less than a week prior) ... a changed password/user ID which barred me from re-installing software ... and most importantly, 400 of the 500GB of data I told them were on my old hard drive still missing. Items which, when I brought them up over the phone, I was told they "usually check or make mention of those things" but no explanation why they didn't with me. These oversights necessitated three unplanned trips back to their store, once towing my computer back (that thing gets heavy, trust me) and an unplanned data recovery. For the last item, I was told three times it would be done by a certain date and I would be contacted prior -- but instead I had to do the call-backs myself when I didn't hear back to get the delayed forecast for completion.
Worse -- the data recovery was only partial -- only 1/5 of the original data was recovered. OK maybe it wasn't in the cards, but how about checking it first based on the 500gB I initially told them was there, and telling me before I pay and take my computer back? Discovering this, I call and left Jonathan a VM, who doesn't get back to me. Two work days later, I send him an email (a response to one from him on another matter) asking about my partial recovery -- no email reply from him. They finally call back, said they "didn't get my voicemail," and only say they got everything they saw on the drive. Nah-ah.
On the positive side, Jonathan and his staff were articulate and friendly, and loaned me an external CD drive when mine failed. And a break on the cost of data recovery (which they said was $150 less, though when I cited the $100 I already paid for this service so it was actually more like a $50 break).
They come across as a nice group of folks at ACR, but affability is not a substitute for thoroughness. As professionals, they should be more diligent with some basic systems checks and procedures to minimize follow-up visits and calls. And, given I was spending over $600 for services, offer better follow-up communication (i.e., *call or email back*) as a reasonable expectation.
In addition, my computer gurgles now. Is it due to a second-rate hard drive or installation issue? I could call ACR and they'd probably say "bring it back in." Methinks not. -
Review from Steve L.
Emeryville, CA
8/4/2011
I recently asked the team at Authorized to do two jobs that were done quickly, professionally and on budget. I gave them the second one because they were such a pleasure to work with when my hard drive crashed on my work computer and I needed to replace it asap. The job was done overnight and ready when promised and they did a lot of extras for me to get me up and running - like reinstalling the operating system and commonly used programs. Huge time-saver for me and much appreciated.
The second job was to clone the contents of a laptop hard drive onto a larger drive. Well done, on time and as promised. Highly recommended and I'll keep using them in the future.
Side bonus is that there's usually easy parking out front so they're easy to get to. -
Review from Jax U.
East Bay, CA
5/18/2011
I didn't have my own computer until I was 16 because I was a poor, little ethnic girl. Since I've had one, it has become a huge part of my life.
Reasons why...in no particular order:
A. I'm a student
B. It's my television
C. To keep in contact with friends and family
D. Listen and legally download music
E. To feed my Facebook addiction
I feel connected to the outside world through my computer.
When I first bought my Dell Inspiron E1405 laptop in 2006, I was elated. A new computer, fast connection, and a reasonably priced piece of electronic equipment. A year later, craziness ensued. I nearly lost all my documents, pictures, and music. It slowed down considerably and was continuously prone to viruses. No, I did not and still do not look at porn on my computer so it's not the perpetrator.
Of course my computer continued to get worse through the years, but I just dealt with it because I was now a poor, little ethnic college girl.
Fast forward to last week. Here I am, in the middle of finishing a midterm essay on specific Chaucer questions. Tough questions that I had explanations to on Word. Lo and behold, what looked like a legit anti-virus pop up kept appearing on my screen for a threat it had found. I, being a dummy, clicked it more than once as it performed a "scan". More like, wormed itself into my computer and sensitive information. My Inspiron froze, didn't allow me to use the internet, and I lost my midterm I worked on for the last week. Welcome to my tragic world.
At this point, I'm lost. What to do? I CANNOT lose my 5000 songs on iTunes. I should have done a backup. Ugh!
This is where ACR comes in the distorted, melancholic picture. I called on a Friday and spoke to Jonathan the owner. I told him about the various issues including the low disk space message I started seeing the same week of my (computer) meltdown. He said his crew would clone my drive, fix a broken hinge on my screen, and get rid of the dreaded virus. They don't work on weekends so it wouldn't be ready till Wednesday.
My 14 inch screen that provides some sort of escape would be on a temporary leave. We would be separated for 5 days, 120 hours, 7,200 minutes, and 259,200 seconds. Laptopless. A stab in the nerd heart. Disconnected from the world.
In the meantime, I picked up a pencil and wrote my midterm answers on lined paper. Who does that? What an odd feeling in the good ol', tech-savvy 21st century.
I made a call to ACR on Tuesday to check the status of my sidekick. Let's just say that Jonathan and his crew had not seen a more wacked out computer in the 15 years of business. Oh joy, just my luck. He said it wouldn't be fixed till Thursday due to the Inspiron's stubborness. A complete restore would have to be done, but he assured me the end result would be dandy. All I was thinking was add 1 more day, hours, minutes, and seconds on said time. Just kick me while I'm down, world.
$300+ (more than intended) later and my computer is fixed. The staff made sure all my documents, music, pictures, and bookmarks were readily available and even double checked to see if everything worked perfectly. My Inspiron runs like a normal, purified computer and starts up within a minute rather than the usual 10. I can continue with my studies, download an enormous amount of (hipster) music, and reconnect to the internetz. I have my life back! We are one again.
Thank you Jonathan and the rest of the folks at ACR for being friendly, intelligent, and downright cool. You guys are geniuses.
However, on another note, I am back to square one. A poor, little ethnic grad student who at least has a highly functional laptop at hand. -
Review from Gabriel F.
Oakland, CA
10/19/2011
I was in a desperate situation when my laptop suddenly stopped working as I was beginning a huge project. I was distraught an unsure where to take my computer for some affordable help - I'm a student and in no situation to spend a lot nor buy a new computer, yet I rely on my computer. I talked to Jonathon and he told me to bring it in and he would see what he could do. The next day he told me that he got it working! He said that there was some more work that could be done to get it running at a more optimum level - but I didn't care, I just wanted a working tool. It was cheap, he didn't judge the fact that I didn't follow his recommendations fully and seemed to genuinely appreciate the business. When I get my act together, I plan on taking my laptop back so that they can perform a full rehaul - but as you can see, it's still working!
Thanks Guys!!! -
Review from Robin L.
San Francisco, CA
4/1/2011
Top-notch service and personable to boot. A barista spilled coffee on my laptop and I needed repairs asap. Thankfully, only the keyboard was broken. I called ACR based on their positive yelp reviews, and the owner Jonathan was friendly and helpful -- he told me right away what I should do to make sure there was as little damage as possible to my machine, asked what kind of laptop I had, and said he could order a replacement keyboard that day and have it installed in my laptop before the end of the week (I called on a Monday). He even called another customer who ordered the same kind of keyboard but hadn't picked it up yet to see if they might be willing to let me have it, since as a writer I was desperate to get my laptop fixed as soon as possible.
Jonathan called on a Thursday, I came by Friday, and fifteen minutes later my laptop no longer smells like coffee and works great. They let me watch as they installed the keyboard and gave me tips on backing up my hard drive. No hard sells, good street parking, and Jonathan's wife makes lovely art that's displayed in the office. An overall excellent experience! Thanks so much! -
Review from Angela T.
Berkeley, CA
5/2/2011
In the end ACR couldn't fix my laptop, but they did do a clean install of Windows 7 and transferred (all 300gb) of my data for me. I expressed the need to have my laptop back quickly for work and they made every effort to try to get my laptop back to me as fast as possible. Jonathan stayed up until midnight trying to figure out what was wrong with my laptop and encouraged me to call in to check on the status. He also offered the option of allowing me to pick up my laptop from his home when he was done installing it if it was after business hours. He was very honest with me--when I asked about anti-virus programs, he recommended one that he sold, but also told me that I would find a cheaper deal online.
Bottom line, great customer service, very responsive to customer needs, and tried their best to answer any questions and solve my laptop problems. -
Review from Lindsay N.
Berkeley, CA
3/13/2011
I actually went to Computer Courage (which shares the building with ACR) to have my stupid laptop jack fixed which I then found out wasn't broken and that I just needed a new power plug.
Jonathan was very cordial and sold me an hp adaptor (which is much better quality than the TWO replacements I got online which were not genuine hp products). He was very up-front about how hp adaptors are known to fail so I knew what I was buying. I got the adaptor for much cheaper than online and was relieved to not have to wait for shipping as I have papers due. He even let me plug it in in the store to make sure it worked.
All in all very amiable service and good experience. -
Review from Loren G.
Oakland, CA
6/14/2011
Hi All,
This is my first yelp review ever. Why? Because my expectations were far exceeded today by Jonathan and his crew at Authorized Computer Repair. Sure it was your basic ac jack malfunction, but basic in the computer world can carry some big costs. I've had this problem with my laptop "fixed" before and this time I needed the real solution. Why spend a hundred bucks every six months? Just get a new one right?
I brought it in at 11am and Jonathan told me all the variables of possible problems and possible prices. I was assuming I would have to spend a minimum of 80 buck no matter what I heard back and the potential of 150 to 200. Well folks they took it in ready to deliver with a Thursday deadline for my sake and ended up calling me at 1:30 with it DONE! It was a simple deal for their high pro tech and they only charged me 50 bucks!!! Are you joking?
No up sale. No bull. Right to the point and an unbelievable deal. I am super stoked to find a real local business that I can trust and recommend to anyone with computer blues out there. They have a long list of computer products and services of which I'm sure I will be utilizing some in the near future.
Right on you guys. Keep it up!!
Thanks,
Loren C
Oakland, Ca -
Review from Joe M.
Concord, CA
2/11/2011
Super fast and personable.
As someone who would normally do my own repairs on my towers, I decided to leave my laptop to someone with more experience. Especially with a monitor problem. They gave me a fair estimate but with a wide range of possibilities depending upon what they found. When it turned out reseating the connections without replacing any hardware was all it needed, not only was I charged the absolute lowball end of the estimate (though they could easily have told me I needed a new monitor), but the work is guaranteed for 45 days, so I know I won't be paying another diagnostic fee if it goes out again in a month!
Definitely will be returning to Authorized. -
Review from Chris T.
Berkeley, CA
9/3/2010
I wandered into this shop after-hours, but these guys welcomed me in and got right to work on my laptop. Jonathon admitted they don't usually do the work immediately, but he thought it might be a quick repair, and he was interested in saving my time. Within an hour my problem was fixed and I was out the door with a working wifi card. I paid less than I would have for the standard diagnostic treatment at another place and saved myself a half-week without my laptop.
Thanks, guys! I will be back when something else comes up. -
Review from Kay S.
Berkeley, CA
7/9/2011
All staffs are super nice and professional! Those guys truly know their stuff. My computer was down suddenly at one night and I was so panic so I emailed Jonathan and dropped off my computer the second day. (Note: I'm a Berkeley student. I went to our on campus computer repair shop but the guy wasn't able to help me with that...) Although at the end they couldn't even tell what's wrong with it, Jonathan and other staffs still managed to help me solve all the problem with $300 and my computer is like new now!
Just as a note, if you like them, pay them with cash. Jonathan will really appreciate that ;) -
Review from Jasmine R.
La Jolla, CA
8/2/2011
I brought two computers in to be fixed and i had thought i was going to have to pay and arm and a leg to get them fixed turned out it was just the chargers, ACR was friendly and fast i was incredibly happy.
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Review from Iván M.
Berkeley, CA
Updated - 7/28/2011
I'm updating the review because Jonathan just called me to acknowledge their mistake and refund half of what I paid.
Apparently I was unlucky enough to bring my computer in just when they were moving their office, which resulted in my memory cards being misplaced, which in turn caused the wrong diagnostic and all that followed. Also, they still think my video card is broken... I'll let you know if I see any malfunctioning.
Anyway, it is nice that they care about their customers and follow up on the state of their machines.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/20/2011
I took my desktop to authorized computer repair, paid $150 to get it fixed, and ended up fixing it… Read more »
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Review from Julie M.
Brisbane, CA
4/26/2011
These guys know their stuff! I had the dreaded hard drive crash. While I had backed up 95% of my data, the key is - I didn't have the other 5%. They were able to recover about half of that (plus the stuff I had already backed up) which saved me a lot of time. I decided at that point to get a complete overhaul of my laptop (Dell PC) rather than buy a new one - they installed a new monitor, battery, and recommended a new power supply as the old one was causing problems. The total cost for this was far less than buying a new PC (and having to configure it).
They reinstalled all my software (and I had a lot!) and got my iphone syncing again. This last part was dicey because I have data on my iphone in particular apps that was lost on that hard drive, and i didn't want it all erased when I synced again. Overall they were very knowledgeable and non patronizing and I would definitely call them again for advice or to handle any problems. Also useful to know - they do on site work as well. -
Review from Danya M.
Berkeley, CA
9/7/2011
It's SO great to know these guys are out there. Spilled Diet Coke on my laptop, then had a good cry about it because I thought the repair was going to be too much for me to afford. I just graduated and had been looking for work, so it kinda felt like the end of the world that my laptop was down. I saw all the other reviews, then called 'em up-- and my experience was even better than I expected. When I came in Jonathan and Chard eased all my concerns and assured me that he could get me back to the online job search asap without cutting into my delicate budget-- and they didn't let me down. Chard called me when the part I needed came in, then immediately installed it. Huge bonus that I got to bring the pup inside and lounge on their big cushy couch with the latest Nat Geo while I waited. Bottom line is that this place is good people who work hard for their customers and want them to be happy. If the HP ever starts getting moody again, these guys are my go-to.
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Review from Marz J.
Oakland, CA
1/7/2010
These guys are great, smart, capable and no snooty "I'm a computer guy... did you try turning it on and off again" attitude. If you don't get it, they'll explain it and if you do get it they'll sit there and talk to you about it.
Unfortunately... for me that is as I've had two unrelated computer mishaps... I've been to them twice and each time the quote I've gotten is what I paid for, no BS, no "well we said that, but it turns out to be a bigger job", just honest work and service.
I highly recommend them! -
Review from Christopher C.
Mountain View, CA
8/23/2011
They did a great job fixing up my computer. I took a while to get it fixed, but it was worth it. My computer is running better now than it has in years (it used to overheat a lot - doesn't anymore).
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Review from Peter L.
Berkeley, CA
1/13/2011
We've been using ACR for over 2 years and they come by every month to update our system, make sure all our computers are working at peak efficiency and the backups are all current. They help me install new hardware and even knew just where we should go to get a laser printer repaired.
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Review from Jeff Q.
Palo Alto, CA
9/13/2010
Look at other reviews to see what Jonathan and his crew are about, but in the 15 min I was there, I do have a list of thing they are NOT about:
NO: bullshit, computer jargon, snobbiness, telling you what to do, overpricing
They were completely professional and checked every possible cause of the problem thoroughly before telling me what was wrong with my laptop (AC Adaptor and the port). Even though I chose not to repair the port and just replace the adaptor, he was completely cool with it and even gave me a cheaper used adaptor.
No waiting, no fuss, no problems! -
Review from Dennis X.
Berkeley, CA
7/18/2011
Authorized Computer Repair was fast, efficient, and friendly. I fully recommend this place to others seeking a quick and cost worthy computer repair shop. I broke my keyboard using a computer wipe and Jonathon managed to find a replacement and repair it within a week for a very manageable price.
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Review from Alamandine B.
CA
5/25/2010
We've been using Jonathan for many years, even before he started ACR. Service is honest and affordable. When my labtop went out and needed to have the hard drive replaced, they let me borrow a computer for a few days, wow. I had the same labtop go out again, then again. Jonathan ended up replacing the entire labtop for a mere $100. Did Christmas come early? I think so. I would recommend Authorized Computer Repair to anyone looking for a great service at a unbeatable price.
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Review from Kevin C.
Berkeley, CA
2/15/2011
Jonathan and his team quickly and efficiently repaired my HP 1320 Laser printer. It is back working like new, and they pursued the acquisiton of a special lubricant for over a week after the initial repair.
They are knowledgeable, have a great sense of humor, and are persistent; not resting until the problem is diagnosed, identified and repaired. I highly recommend their work! -
Review from Ali K.
Oakland, CA
9/30/2010
My computer's motherboard totally died and LUCKILY I found Jonathan and his crew on-line somehow (on the Berkeley Parent's Network) and they saved the day. He found a replacement motherboard for a model that they are no longer available and here I am now, writing a review with that very same computer! I use it for work, school and life and they got it fixed as quickly as possible. Their prices are fair and I felt they were completely honest (he said never buy an HP again!) and not trying to screw me over, which can be easy when you are like me and barely know anything about how to fix a computer. I always felt comfortable leaving my $1500 computer in their hands.
I am really thankful that I found Authorized Computer Repair and will use them for all of my future computer needs...which I hope will not be soon, even though they were all a pleasure to work with. And when I get my next computer, I will be in touch with Jonathan to see what he recommends. So if you are looking for a crew that will genuinely help you with your computer needs, go here! I think the word is out because they are always busy! -
Review from Jane D.
Oakland, CA
9/29/2010
When I walked into Authorized Computer Repair I had come to terms with the fact that I'd probably have to leave my computer for who knows how long in order to have it repaired. My life, that is my business, resides in this computer. Lack of access to it sort of makes me have psychological issues.
I walked in and it was clear Jonathon was really busy. I felt bad I had not called and made an appointment. Jonathon wrapped up the call he was on and gave me his full attention. He explained that if I could stay 10 minutes or so he could fix my problem. He quoted me a more than fair rate. Then, I remembered I had more than one problem. He said, "no problem" and continued to help me on the spot. I decided to leave the comp with him overnight as I had a meeting to attend. When I picked it up the next day it was ready on time, repaired, and they even cleaned it. I had spilled a bowl of cereal on it and lets just say it was kinda sticky.
There are two businesses in the world that I know can take advantage of me. Mechanics and computer experts. That is why you should not take your computer anywhere but Authorized Computer Repair. You'll be treated with respect, you'll be told the truth about your problem, it will be fixed and it will be done when they say it will be. That is rare enough service to motivate me to write a review. They also have technicians that will come to your location. Next time my desktop goes sideways, instead of kicking it, I'll call Jonathon and Authorized Computer Repair... -
Review from K B.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 2/15/2011
Unfortunately I had another issue with my computer and I had to come back... but I wasn't worried. I felt confident that Jonathan and his staff knew how to handle it. I truly love Jonathan's demeanor-- calm and explains everything in simple terms. While I hope I don't have to head back there anytime soon, if I do, I am confident everything will be taken care of!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/31/2011
I was in a bind (who isn't) to have my computer fixed asap. I was extremely impressed with the… Read more »
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