Fastlane Computers — Local services in Panama City

I brought a tower to Fast Lane Computer on 23rd Street in Panama City. It had failed to boot up after receiving an update. It was running Windows 7 Pro. I had to pay a $45.00 fee just to drop off the computer. The fee supposedly goes toward the repair of the unit, if you allow them to repair it. I noticed on their list of services, while I was waiting that the most expensive thing that they do is re-install an OS (operating system), such as Windows 7, or XP or what have you. I received a call three days later, informing me that they would have to re-install the OS. I declined, because I did not believe that was the truth. Turned out that I was correct. I GOOGLED the message I was receiving on screen when the computer failed to boot up, along with the words 'windows 7 pro'. I was immediately referred to Microsoft's website by the first two results. The solution? Tap the F8 key while the computer is powering on, until the advanced boot menu comes onscreen; scroll down to 'Last Known Good Configuration', and press ENTER. The unit powered on, received its updates, and is doing fine.

My issue? Either they KNEW that this would fix the computer, or they are not qualified to be in business. If they can do Data Retrieval, then they knew that this was all that needed done to this unit. They COULD have done this, got my unit running, and EARNED the $45.00 HONESTLY, and I would have been happy as a pig in the mud. Instead, they LIED to me, telling me that it needed the OS re-installed, so that they could make another $90.00! The way in which it was done was like just business-as-usual, and I would almost bet that they do this to people on an every day basis. I would not recommend them for anything. I called them and requested a refund, because they lied to me, and tried to screw me, and I was told to "do what I had to do". So, I am. Do NOT take your computer there. They will tell you it needs stuff it does not need. I guarantee it. They...

I took my laptop here to be repaired. They told me they could FOR SURE repair it bc the issue was very common for the particular brand and they had repaired many in the past with the same problem. They told me it would cost $115 for everything and I needed to pay $45 when I dropped it off. They said it would take about a week/week and a half to order the part and repair it and they would call me when it was ready. I did not hear from them at all for a week and a half after I dropped it off so I called to check on the status. When I called they informed me they were unable to order the part and they would not be able to fix my laptop. I asked if I would get my $45 back and they told me no. I asked why no one called me to let me know they were not going to be able to fix it and he said the technician had tried to contact me. I told him that was definitely not true! No one EVER tried to contact me! This place is ridiculous! They have terrible customer service and I would never recommend anyone to do business there. I know FOR A FACT the part my laptop needs CAN be ordered bc I found it myself online. This place SUCKS!!!!

Response to owner: First of all, I can provide my phone records to prove no one ever contacted me if I need to. Second of all, we told you what part we wanted replaced and I know for a fact the laptop did not need to be taken apart for you to order the part it needed. All you need is the product number and model number. So I'm just not understanding why it was ever taken apart if you were unable to order the part. My husband is going to call you later today to talk to you about what we can do to try to get it...

Honest, reliable, kind! I promise, you don't need to look any further if you need a computer repaired. My laptop hinge broke and I took it here. Within 1 day I received a call from Jason letting me know they tried for a while to find cheaper parts, but the lowest they could find (and even with limited labor) would still put the price of a repair at about 1/2 the price I paid for the laptop nearly 5 years ago. They said they could fix it no problem and would be happy to do so, but were honest and said that for that cost, I would be better off with a new laptop. They took the time to ask what I use it for, engaging on even small details of my day-to-day work to understand what features would most benefit me. Brandon talked to me about what I should look for in a laptop, down to keypad, touchscreen options, screen size, hard drive size and type, processor type, brand... everything! He explained why I don't need some features that are more expensive and about the range I should be paying for what I need. They showed me the laptops they have in stock, and advised of which big box stores they recommend and why. They did ALL of this and insisted they would not charge me. Nothing to diagnose and estimate the repair cost, even though I'm sure at minimum a couple of hours were spent trying to find parts and gather the information needed for such a repair, and nothing for the professinal consultation I received when the decision to not repair the laptop was made. Even though I did not end up repairing my laptop here, I will absolutely return in the future and recommend them to anyone I encounter who...