Computer Revolutions — Attraction in Moline

I'm giving Computer Revolutions 2 stars for being very polite on the phone... I'm deducting 3 for failing twice now to take the time to talk to me about issues and possible solutions with my computer.

First time was maybe 8 mos or so ago. The video card on my laptop had gone bad. Now, this is the primary laptop I use for my online related business... so I really wanted to find a way to not lose all my data... plus i actually really like this laptop.. i've been through so many over the years and this one has been a champ far above and beyond.

When I inquired with Computer Revolutions, I told them my make and model of laptop and what the issue was. They informed me that the video card was soldered to the motherboard and that i'd be better off just getting a new computer. Well, turns out the video card is NOT soldered to the motherboard (thanks Google) and $30 later, i replaced it myself.

More recently I had an issue with the power jack on the computer going bad. I figured maybe the previous video card issue was just a fluke and i would try them again. They ran the diagnostic and once again came back telling me that the dc jack was faulty and that motherboard would need to be replaced and I'd be better off buying a new computer. Problem is - I don't want a new computer. I want this one fixed.

So, $49 later, i bought myself a motherboard and with ZERO technical background... spent maybe an hour total disassembling, replacing and putting back together my laptop. For $5 i could have bought the jack and attempted to replace it instead... but by the time i bought the soldering iron, desoldering wick, flux, solder, etc... it would end up about the same cost as just replacing the whole board.

Honestly... At the time, I probably would have paid $150 to have had my computer fixed.... (but now that i know how easy it is... if it happens again, i have no issue doing it myself). Maybe $100 profit isn't worth their time... but shouldn't customer acquisition be worth something? There will come a time that i WILL be ready to upgrade - and i do a lot of video and graphics work... so to be honest, a custom build would be very appealing to me at some point if i had a relationship with a local business.... Not to mention I've already steered two people away now because of my less than stellar experience.

At the very least... they should have just talked to me instead of brushing me off - not once, but twice. Take the time to research my model of laptop before you tell me the graphics card can't be replaced. Talk to me and tell me how much it costs for the motherboard. Tell me how much your labor rates are. Geeze, even talk to me about saving my data if i do end up needing a new computer... In the end, they have failed to do so twice... and for me, there will not be a third...

A VERY long story short: I had to have Windows completely reloaded on my computer (after an unbelievably negative experience with the local big-box tech store). I took my PC into Computer Revolutions, told them what had happened, and they told me that it wouldn't be a problem at all, and they'd take care of everything for me. From previous experience (not from Computer Revolutions, but several different tech 'support' outlets), I figured that they'd have my computer for a week at the very least. NOPE! They called me in the afternoon of the very next day to tell me that my computer was done and ready to be picked up at my convenience!

When I arrived to pick up my computer, they informed me that in addition to re-installing the Windows operating system, they had also gone ahead and installed all of the associated updates that were needed. In addition to that, they had also installed a number of different utility programs that would make using my computer much easier to use (such as programs to write letters, work with spreadsheets, play movies, edit pictures, and even burn CD/DVDs. They showed me how they had installed several different anti-virus/anti-malware (which I learned is short for MALicious-softWARE) programs, and even how to use them! Since I had brought my printer in with the computer, they had gone ahead and installed it so that all I had to do when I got home was plug it in. Before I left they told me that if I had any questions, or needed any assistance reassembling my computer, to feel free and give them a call and they would be more than happy to assist me.

I can’t remember the last time I’ve called a business for assistance and received such excellent customer service. Not only was the employee I talked to exceptionally knowledgeable in their field, but they were unbelievable friendly, and were genuinely interested in finding a solution to for my situation. I could hardly believe how simple and straightforward they were with me, but they told me exactly what was wrong with my computer and what it would take to fix it. To top it off they somehow managed to explain it to me in a way in which I could understand. As I’ve stated before, I don’t know a whole lot about computers, but I know enough to know when they’re not working like they should. I am still blown away by how helpful and prompt Computer Revolutions was with my needs.

If I ever have any kind of computer issues in the future, I am absolutely calling Computer...

Update: Owner contacted and apologized for the hassles. Obviously doesn't solve the old problems but that's worth a few extra stars in my book. Willing to reach out and attempt to fix a situation speaks volumes about a business owner. I appreciate it.

I have had them build 6 computers for me over the past couple of years both in Moline and Davenport. If you would have asked me 2 years ago I would of recommended them with no second thoughts. But my last two builds have both had issues. One of them simply being not listening to what I wanted. I specifically asked for a on board wireless card and a memory card reader on the front. Neither were installed. I went on with life figuring things happen and miscommunication happen all the time. Not life or death and I just installed them my self. My final and last desk top they built for me had nothing but issues right from the start. Driver issues, hardware issues etc. I took it over to Davenport 5 times within 2 weeks and had Joel (or whoever he tells to) look at it. I went to the point of dragging the printer and scanners in with it so they could use all of my hardware to replicate the problems. After the 4th trip he tells me it must be my devices and to replace them with other brands. Well I don't buy that considering the printers and scanners work with every other computer but that one. None the less we took his advice and bought all new printers and scanner of a different brand. Imagine our anger when the same exact problem existed with the new printers. But only on that desktop. After the 5th trip with no answer other than stupid answers blaming it on everything else but the computer I paid to have my $1500 brand new computer fixed at your competitor. Was fixed in one shot and has been running flawlessly for the past 6 months. After spending probably 10K$ over the past several years I figured I could get decent customer service. Lost my business indefinitely. Which honestly is sad because as I said above. Several years ago I was recommending people to use them, and had a few friends use them. They both have the same answer as me now, never again after customer service has taken...