Making Headlines

Will a big-box computer retailer measure up to a local Ft. Lauderdale computer repair firm when it comes to having the machine serviced?

We talk about this a lot, and in a similar vein, a Sacramento, Calif., station conducted a test of chains that do computer repair work.

Giving each a computer with the same, common problem faced by computer services - when the PC starts booting up, it gives an error message - they decided to see if the supposedly experienced computer technicians could solve and fix it.

But, as we've often talked about with large chains in comparison to small and independent Fort Lauderdale computer repair groups, the bigger companies' technical acumen, honesty and integrity often come up short.

In fact, in the world of computer repair, knowledge and expertise rarely go along with the size of the store or its retail prices. A great deal on your Dell doesn't mean its seller knows how to repair the thing.

The three test subjects in this case: Best Buy, Circuit City and Staples - all of which charged $50-60 to even look at the thing.

Overall, the customer service grades ranged from average to poor and only one of the three chains rated above a D overall!

To find out which, and read many more revelations about the perils of computer repair from major chains, check out KCRA's full report.

But customers should keep the following things in mind:

• If and when you do decide to take your machine to a Ft. Lauderdale computer repair organization, obtain a written diagnostic or proof the PC was tested thoroughly.
• Do your best to troubleshoot your own PC or Mac before taking it to a technician. That way, you'll at the very least familiarize yourself with the problem, and at best, save a lot of money and time.