I had Marvin service my desktop for a defective bearing in my power supply fan. He stated it couldn't be repaired nor replaced. That isn't true. He charged me $250 along with trying to improve my processing speed. It is still the same. I have had to live with the fan vibration for three years now. Currently, had issues with hackers trying to get into my system. I called him and I shut down the computer and unplugged from the modem. The next day I called back stating it was not accessible and will replace the computer. I do not want to put anymore money into this 9 yr old unit and will buy new directly from Dell. He scolded me for not bringing this in and not wanting to spend more money on the unit. He said "Don't bother me again & hung up". Then texted me "You are unbelieveable". I will NEVER do business nor recommend him to anyone. Customers beware! If you are going to treat customers like this you are going to lose them. I have checked with two other competent tech individuals besides IU-Indy tech support. All have stated the power supply fan could have been replaced and there is no reason to put more money into an outdated desktop. He will never take advantage of my service needs again.
Update: Marvin Ballard is lying about replacing a hard drive. I have an Inspiron Dell that I ordered directly from the factory. He was only going to repair the power supply fan bearing or replace it as I wanted done. He said, it couldn't be done. What a dishonest tech to deal with and a liar, too. Marvin knew I wanted the power supply fan replaced initially and lied to me about it. Why? Have me come back so he could charge me more money for a new system. Didn't happen. I had a bad feeling about him after being in his office and how he conducts business. Not like other computer techs that I have dealt with over the years. There was no issue with me wanting to have it replaced. I spent $250 and I still have the original hard drive. What a shyster! As they say, the truth comes out and eventually you get caught if you are dishonest. I will never recommend him to anyone that I know along with competent techs telling me it could have been replaced. I gave Marvin the benefit of the doubt and looked how I was treated. I had a bad feeling about taking my computer back to him for importing data to my new Dell and I am fortunate that I found out through this issue not to NEVER go...
Read more5 Stars is not enough. That should tell you everything you need to know. For folks who need more detail... I ran into an operating system upgrade issue I could not resolve. For some reason my Mac Pro (Late 2013 "trashcan" model) refused to accept an OS update after Sierra! I contacted Apple and after sending them all kinds of files, was told my third-party hard drive from OWC was the problem, it was "incompatible." Contacting OWC got me instructions for a work-around (which involved swapping hard drives, updating the OS, and swapping back the hard drive). OWC's fix did not work. It was a huge project and I was completely overwhelmed by it, (even given my own background in computing, which is not weak).I let the machine languish because it was still working and I could still get stuff done. Eventually, the OS upgrade was forced on me by the software I use. I talked to other companies in town who specialize in Macs, with no luck. FINALLY, I was referred to Ballard Computes. I took my machine in on a Wednesday, by Thursday Marvin had solved the mystery, and by Friday, an updated, perfectly working machine was back on MY desk, already home from the shop. Three days later, I got a phone call from Marvin, following up to make sure everything was working well and was as it should be. - WHEN was the last time you got a follow-up call?! - Marvin was gracious enough to answer a few questions I had to tweak the machine into perfection. I am so far beyond satisfied with all that was done for me, I am unable to explain it. Throughout the whole project Marvin was patient and kind, explaining everything I needed to know and answering all my questions. I also found his fee for the service I received to be extremely fair. I was happy to pay it. I wish Marvin a long life and much success. I want him to be around a long time because I won't be taking my business...
Read moreI dropped my husband's iPhone down the stairs while he was out of town. It was not just cracked, the LCD screen was impossible to read. In desperation I called Marvin's number at 7:30 early Sunday morning, just hoping to find out what his hours were. He kindly offered to meet me, opened his office for me, and fixed the phone for a price much less than I would have paid. I pay plumbers more to fix a toilet handle I have now learned to repair myself, and we have paid twice as much other places to repair iphone screens. My husband could not believe it was the same phone because I sent him the picture. Marvin fixed ithe phone as I watched, and he taught me a great deal about iPhones, iPads, and MacBook software. We have 5 iPhones, 5 iPads, and 5 MacBooks in this house. With three kids, we have had to have many repairs. I highly recommend Ballard Computes LLC. Marvin is very fast, reasonably priced, and one of the most accommodating and knowledgable service people I have ever met. I am only sorry that I only took two of his cards because I gave them away one day after he helped me. I rarely leave comments on websites because it takes time. This business and this skilled and professional young man deserves a better review than I have...
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