Around-Town Computer Repair — Local services in Hanford

TLDR: This place lost my trust after repeated visits for related issues.

I have a moderately-expensive laptop (mid-tier MSI). I had issues with the lid not opening correctly- lots of snapping and popping sounds. I first took it to ATCR in probably October or November. I was told that one of the hinges was somehow becoming separated from the rest of the lid. The initial work was prompt and seemed to be quality, as the laptop functioned correctly and the hinge held firm.

Within a few weeks (probably sometime in Dec), the other hinge began having the exact same issue. First red flag- why were both hinges not inspected/corrected the first time? Ok, maybe they were, and this was a fluke. So I take it back, pay another hour's worth of labor, get the other hinge epoxied into place, and again get my computer back. I can deal with the spilled-over epoxy around the work sites, though it is moderately unsightly.

In mid or late January, one of the allegedly-repaired hinges fails again. Second red flag. I eventually get the laptop back to the shop, and am told 48-72 hours. Third red flag- in my opinion, given the situation, this work should have been moved to a priority position. Fast-forwarding, my computer is at ATCR for approximately 3.5 weeks. Fourth red flag. During this time, I receive no communication from the shop, though I do call multiple times myself to learn what is going on. I understand the main (only?) tech was dealing with some personal stuff. Fine; have another employee make some phone calls, send a text message, whatever. I rely on this computer, and going almost a month without it, without any communication on its status, is unacceptable. I was not charged for this work, though, as it was essentially warrantied.

Eventually I get the computer back (mid March), and I notice that the lid no longer closes properly. It has about a 1/4" gap on one side, and a 1/2" gap on the other. Yes, it looks as ridiculous as it sounds. Fifth red flag. When I get home and turn the computer on, the monitor is cracked and totally unusable. It wasn't that way when it went to the shop. Sixth red flag.

I take the computer back to ATCR once again. The computer is available the next day- after I call to check. I'm informed that 'luckily' there was another 15.6" screen in the shop that could be used. Ok, great. I was not charged for this repair, nor should I have been. Once I fire up the computer at home though, this monitor is obviously not the same. Basic stuff- max resolution, refresh rate, etc are awful on this monitor, especially compared to what comes with a purpose-built gaming computer. Seventh, and final, red flag. Was I not supposed to notice this wildly inferior monitor?!

I will not take any more business here nor will I recommend this shop. I'm still trying to figure out what to do about my butchered laptop with its sad new monitor. Take it to another shop? Replace the monitor myself? Replace the crooked hinges myself? All of these require time and money on my part, both of which I have wasted enough of and lack in the first place.

If I knew how to contact the owner...

I had a great experience with them. I took my laptop to them because it was dying quickly. They looked at it and agreed it was the battery. They quoted me an affordable price, $120ish and they let me know via phone call they did have a replacement battery in stock and the laptop was ready the next day. They texted me letting me know it was ready, and showed me the old battery they took out, it was indeed poofy 😬 & then told me how I can better take care of the new one so it lasts longer. I would definitely...

Great experience. Very knowledgeable and good communication. Reasonable prices. My MacBook hard drive appeared to have failed and Bill at Around Town Computers got it up at running again without losing any files. Apple Support told me there was nothing they could do to save my data, but only erase the computer and re-install the OS. I would highly recommend this business...