CAT Computers — Local services in Maplewood

[Long review] ★★★★★  This review will highlight Race:

Over my time on Earth, I've heard White people say, "I don't see color" or "The only color that matters is green." This mindset dismisses the beauty and individuality of humanity. As a Black man from St. Louis, Missouri.  Childhood/Highschool Years in the City and Adulthood/College years in the County.  I've experienced my share of racism and passive aggressiveness from White folks.

Now in my 40s at the time of this review, I reflect on these experiences.

In November 2013, I bought a Toshiba laptop from MicroCenter in Brentwood. Fast forward to April 2025, and my laptop went black. Five years ago, I cracked its screen when my 32 inch monitor fell on it. Since the Toshiba laptop is stationary, I managed to still have high function with an HDMI connection to my monitor. But on Monday April 7, my computer went Zero-Dark-Thirty... LOL... leaving me unable to sync the laptop. Despite needing it for remote work, I stayed calm and searched for repair and anti-virus services.

Now...I went thru the possibility that I might have a virus aswell...although I don't visit sketchy websites nor watch po*n... I didn't rule out a virus as a possibility.

I came across CAT Computers Google Business listing and saw the HIGH remarks and reviews.  So, I'm living proof that good reviews work in the right direction for both the Company and the Customer.

I called CAT around 11am Monday April 7, and Robert answered the phone he was welcoming and told me that I may have to drop it off because they had some out-of-office appointments for clients but, they might be able to at least give me tech-stimate of what the problem could be IF I get it there before they had to leave.

So, I hopped in my van and drove from North County HWY 270 to 170 to 40 and as I'm driving I see a billboard on South-bound HWY 170 that says "LOVE is BETTER than HATE!" I get off on Brentwood Blvd and a few more twist and turns I arrive at CAT Computers.Robert greats me with a smile and begins to "on board" my Laptop into their system.  It is SOOO EASY for I.T. personnel, Coders, Data Analyst, Computer Geeks to be impersonable, kurt, short, brash, insensitive, matter-of-fact BECAUSE they deal with Zeros and Ones, X's and O's, Wires, Chips, and Plastic for a living.

But, Robert was sooo cool... He didn't know me from a penny on a Walmart Parking lot but, he went out of his way to see my humanity and engage with me not only about the computer but, my line of work, and how the tarriffs that Trump is implementing may affect me buying a new computer at a reasonable price, he even gave me a tour of their headquarters and showed me this COOOOOLLLL looking computer called a PET (Commodore PET)... I told Robert that this thing (Computer) looked like something from that Matthew Broderick movie called "War Games"...LOL

Needless to say...I had to leave my Toshiba laptop with CAT. The next morning Tues. April 8 I got a call from Earnie (The Lead Technician) and he told me that I was all good to go.  His voice was pleasant and welcoming. Earnie gave me good energy! Again NOT being abrupt and to-the-point but, appreciative of the work and business I gave them.  He loves what he does and he's really good at it.

Both Robert and Earnie suggested upgrading since Windows 7 is unsupported, but for now, my laptop is back on track. When I picked it up, Robert joked about my Toshiba's longevity, and we shared a laugh. I paid a BETTER-THAN-FAIR price for their excellent service.  Robert hooked me up.

Driving home, I saw the billboard again: "LOVE is BETTER than HATE!" but, this time  North-bound on HWY 170.  Robert and Earnie demonstrated this truth through their kindness and professionalism. They turned a simple laptop repair into a reminder of humanity's potential for connection and care.

Someone might see that billboard and ask is "LOVE is BETTER than HATE?"  Robert and Earnie used something as simple as customer service and fixing my Laptop to show us... IT SURE IS...my friend......

After my secondary drive died, I was able to drop off my laptop quickly. While discussing the situation, I was told that I could send the drive in to a data center for recovery, but that it would be pricey. Since not of it was critical, I decided not to, and to just get a replacement drive installed. Robert handed me the original drive in case I ever decide to change my mind and opt for data recovery, which I appreciate.

I picked up my laptop within a few days and after I got home, Robert let me know he forgot to hand me back a few of my USB devices. I don't live far away, but he offered to drop them off to me, which he did and I also really appreciate!

Overall, a very good experience, not too expensive, and I'll think of them first if I ever have any computer troubles...

The email on my computer was non-existent, having mysteriously disappeared into the computer hinterland. That's a big problem for a lot of folks, and it was for me, being a professional writer and waiting for chapters to edit from my publisher. Saying I was antsy about the length of time required to get my email up and running, and therefore putting me in 'business again,' is hardly describing my anxiety. CAT Computers did a remote control fix on my computer (which is amazing, IMHO) and got my email back online and running without me having to drag my computer (a big desktop Mac model) into the shop. Painless, efficient and quick, from initial phone call to fixing the problem. A pleasure to work with CAT...and I highly recommend them, whatever computer problem you...