I feel that for any college student on a my-laptop-is-finally-fixed afterglow, 5-star ratings are imminent to the savior no matter what. That being said, I would like to marginally believe I have good reason to give the wonderful folks at this place the stars above, in all their blood, sweat, and tears glory. I had the unfortunate experience of my plane landing really badly - and by badly, I mean everyone jumped a good foot - and my poor laptop was on the ground, since the plane peeps wouldn't let me hold it. Short story even shorter, when I got back, my laptop's fan started going haywire. It buzzed and vibrated the entire laptop from one end of the keyboard to the other. Whatever the case was, I knew the fan had to be replaced or at least readjusted: a standard mechanical error. Since I have two left thumbs and a tendency to shock people that would shame a Pikachu, I opted to get this handled by a professional. So I went to a shop with pretty good reviews, they checked it out, and kindly told me that the fan itself would be 45 dollars and the labor would be 160. 160 labor fee? Am I paying for you to tow my car? Needless to say, I chickened out of that with my wallet crying. Let it be said that my laptop was maybe 600 dollars with the tax included. No way in hell was I going to pay a third of its cost to fix a fan of all things. But I called other places and they seemed to all generally agree on that criteria: 150-160, fan would be 40-50. That, however, all changed when I called Computer Land. They listened to my request and told me that the labor would be 100 (I have a laptop that needs to be fully taken apart to get to the fan) and that the fan would be 30. 130? From 200+? I was still hesitant (and despairing that none of my more technologically dextrous friends were back in Berkeley), but the fan at this point was starting to vibrate where my HDD was. It also helped that they were incredibly friendly and understood my request to keep the laptop until the fan arrived since the laptop was essential for work. Fast forward to a few days later, the fan arrived, they gave me a call, I turned in my laptop, and within not even two hours, I got it back and the fan was quieter than Southside restaurants during winter vacation. Case in point with an egregiously long preface, they're reasonably priced compared to other places, they get the work done timely and wonderfully well, and they're really nice to boot! While I still think paying 100+ for a fan repair is/was ridiculous, they did it at a price that was the best along with excellent service and performance. Wonderful people. read more

The display of my Dell Inspiron got fuzzy and then the computer shut down. I thought it might take too much time asking for Dell's official client service and so went to Computerland of Berkeley for help. They charged me $40 for a diagnosis which took more than 24 hours. Two things were marked on the diagnosis report they gave me: 1 "Motherboard problem"; 2 "Computer still under warranty, call Dell service". I called Dell and described to them the problem my computer had, 5 days later they sent a nice guy to my house and repaired my device within 15 mins. It's the screen which was malfunctionning and Dell's staff just replaced it with a new one. There had nothing to do with the motherboard at all!!! So 40 dollars for a wrong report and teaching me to call official client service, I really feel humiliated. read more

When my computer died as the result of a friend spilling a drink on it, I was frantic, especially in these times when we are all working online. I took the dead Macbook Pro to Computerland (an Apple Authorized provider) on the advice of the Applecare consultant. O delievered the Macbook on Wednesday morning, the AMAZING and professional and nice Gus called me on Thursday to tell me the part had arrived, and I picked up the repaired laptop (data intact) on Friday morning. WOW!!!! Thanks!! read more

Like 162 rave reviews aren't enough, but here is the thing- I was a hot MESS when I went in there. My computer was DEAD, my two front tires were BALD (in the rain), my roof was collapsing (from the rain), a veritable city of pigeons were living in the eves of my house, pooping piles and piles and piles of poop and reeking havoc with my house. Did I mention I am unemployed? Ya. So in I go to computer land where I proceed to drop my head down on their front desk and cry. And cry some more. With snot. Long story short, they treated me with kindness and respect. They talked to me like I was a normal human which honestly, I wasn't. And they fixed my computer so well, its better than the day I got it, I swear to God. This place is the place. Isn't it amazing when something finally goes RIGHT? read more

I am sad to put a bad review because they were very nice and polite. I brought my 2007 imac to repair 6 months ago. It looked like it was a hard drive problem (who knows!). The repair was very expensive and I ask if they didn't have a most recent computer to sell me. They offered me a most recent imac (they told me 2009) for 600$ + my old computer. I accepted and left with my "new" computer. 4 months later ( warranty of 3 months of course), the computer crashed. I brought it back.it looked like there were a power supply issue: 160 dollars more!! I asked again the reference of the computer to check myself the price on ebay. Actually this "new" computer was also from 2007-2008. I went to Apple store: NO power supply issue, only the old cable that I was using: 10 box. Well, Computerland deceived twice, with a smile. read more

Just got a call from John at Computerland about this review. To his credit, he offered to refund my money for the original fix. On the downside - he stayed in denial mode, saying that it must have been a mis-communication, that his rep didn't hang up on the Apple Store, that they don't operate that way, that he wasn't there, that that would be 'crazy'. Even when I said that no, there was no mis-communication, he never once validated my experience. At the end, he backtracked and said that of course they would review their processes and made adjustments where needed --but what I took away was that he wanted me to change my review. I declined his refund and the review stands. read more

*ASK THEM ABOUT PART'S PRICES* The hinges on my laptop screen broke, so they had to order the back cover and two hinges. The cover they found for 59 and both hinges for 29 (according to the receipt). They also charged 80 for labor. With tax and shipping it came out to be a little shy of 190. I needed my laptop and had a quick turnaround. Plus they were a tad more affordable than other places, so overall I am happy with my experience. BUT after doing some of my own research I have found xps covers for 20; in retrospect I should have asked for copies of the receipts of the items they bought too. Either way, they're very nice people! They can explain any problem to you in really understandable terms. I'd recommend them to a friend. read more

If you do not want surprises with this guys just READ this. I work for a computer Lab for an east bay school, generally I used to take our computers to computer land in order to be repaired. When I took my first five computers to be fixed in there I relied on them, I thought that the charges where fair, but I did not know what was going on until I did some researches. I collected all my invoices and I realized that they charged me for parts that were totally covered under warranty or recall programs, they charged me around $450.00 for a motherboard replacement and this was under a recall program. I contacted Apple and they confirmed that the motherboard was sent to Computer Land under recall program but I got charged, fortunately I got money refund from Apple. My second computer was under warranty and I took it to be serviced at Computer Land, they called me back telling me that they found some traces of liquid spill, the computer is located in the computer laboratory and in there we do not allow drinks, I needed to work with that computer and they charged me $550.00, they got a new motherboard under apple care, but they charged me for a new motherboard all the way when they claimed that part under my warranty, I paid for that warranty, why Computer Land claimed that motherboard under warranty and they charged me for that?. I am working with another local computer shop now, very honest people and there is no hidden fees, so I think you should do same. read more

Went to the genius bar, as a few keys and my trackpad weren't working. Told me they were $180 to replace by themselves, or $90 more to fix my optical drive which had been having issues. They sent it in, and claimed that there were "traces of water damage" and couldn't just replace the trackpad/topcase, and wanted $750. I refused to pay almost the price of a new laptop, and it took them almost a week and a half to send it back after I denied service. Headed to computerland, where they fixed the trackpad/topcase in under 4 days for $330. Edit: gave a positive review at first for friendliness and fast service, but both the trackpad and keyboard had issues in a month or two (just after their 30-day guarantee, which the Apple store people were surprised about), and had to be reconnected, so I'm guessing it was a shoddy job on the installation. The topcase I took back to them thinking it was still under warranty (since Apple gives 90 days on all of its parts), and they charged me to fix it, though with a "discount". By the time the trackpad failed a few weeks later, I just took it to the Apple store and had them fix it for free. There they told me that a bunch of internal screws were messed up, and that scotch tape had been used to hold something together (apparently you're supposed to use some sort of static free tape), and told me never to take it back to Computerland again. read more

Save your time. This should not be an Apple approved repair vendor. The owner/boss is rude, I called 3 times and was told it was $80-$160...until I got there, then they asked if I had a hard drive to back it up into, I said, yes, back in Oakland, I called 3 times and no one said anything...that's ok, we call sell you one! I'll bet, then, they said, if I want to reinstall or update the OS, those are additional fees.... So now we're over $300 just to leave my computer with the guys-no thanks! Save your gauging and condescension for some other putz that Apple sends through your door. read more

UC Berkeley Students stay away from this shady place! If your computer is broke, don't take it here. They try to rob poor college student's money. The two guys in this "repair center" may be able to fix your issues, but they will charge you a hefty price. So my computer's hard drive died and I took it to them after seeing the great reviews here. Their pricing here is arbitrary at best. Seems like they make up prices depending on who their customer is. They obviously knew I was a young student and treated me like one. As a person without much knowledge in computer stuff, I went along with their outrageous price. On the first day when I gave them my laptop, the guy with an accent said I will have to turn the laptop in for $40 diagnostics without even looking at my issue much. So after a few days, I get a call saying that my hard drive is dead and I need a new one. Of course as a college student, I needed my files such as essays, assignments, resume, etc. to be recovered. And he said $120+$40 for data recovery and close to $300 total for a new hard drive. Not knowing much, I was stupid enough to say ok to $160 total for data recovery since I wanted to get a new laptop instead of keeping my broken laptop. Four days later, I get a call saying that they backed up all my data but asked me if I wanted to my laptop to be "recycled" or assembled back. I of course wanted my laptop back at least, but the guy said $40 to put my laptop back in one piece. So the total charge will be $200! And at this point, already feeling ripped off, I said give me the breakdown of what I am paying. And the guy was like "Ok, ok I will do it for free." I already feel like I have been ripped off for that $40 diagnostic price and they tried to scam me by charging $40 more for putting my laptop into one piece. I ended up paying the $160, but who knows my hard drive was broke in the first place? These guys are shady to say the least. Stay away UC Berkeley students, run them out of their shady business practice. We don't need low-life scums around our campus trying to scam us. STAY AWAY! read more

They replaced the hinges on my laptop for $250. A few months later, the hinges broke again (non-accidental) and they offered me the same deal. I ended up getting both the hinges and entire screen replaced at a different store in Berkeley for $200. read more

I wanted to update my previous 5 star review to reflect that I've been back two more times since my initial visit in June 2015. Both visits were 5 star experiences as well. I am so annoyed with my MacBook Pro (late 2011) and with Apple in general these days. ComputerLand is the polar opposite--I'm consistently impressed, and honestly a bit shocked that I haven't paid more for their services. (They've revived my dead laptop 3 times, and my combined total to date is a single $40 diagnostic charge.) ComputerLand has saved me a lot of time, money, and stress. I am grateful to have these professionals in my community. Thank you! read more

For $40, they promised me a lot - a careful and individualized look at my computer problems. They knew I'd already had computer diagnostics done and that three others hasn't been able to diagnose the problem. They promised me their technicians were better and would use their brain power. I spent a lot of time explaining the problem to someone who promised me they would convey the information to the repair technician. None of their promises bore fruit. They just ran standard diagnostics and didn't consider the concerns I so laboriously laid out. I don't really blame them for not doing a thorough diagnostic for $40, as that's not a lot of money, but they should have told me that up front, and they should have communicated with the technician. read more

Great experience!! Subscribed a new screen for replacing the water spilled one and dropped off lately. Unexpectedly retained original files on desktop. Plus, only took one day for repair! read more

My computer would not turn on, I wasn't able to get an appointment at the Apple store for over a week. I took it in to Computerland and as its a few days before Christmas I was warned it might take about five days to fix the problem. I got a call less than 24 hours later saying my computer was ready to pick up. Fast. Inexpensive, and way less draining than going to the always crowded Apple store. read more

I spilled milky, sugary tea all over my Macbook Pro keyboard and despite my best attempts (cleaning it, turning it upside down, leaving it off for days, then popping off each key individually and cleaning them) the keyboard died -- half the keys didn't work. I tried to make an appointment with the "genius bar" at Apple (either Emeryville or 4th street), but there were no appointments for at least a whole week. Enter Computerland. I took it in on a Monday around noon (same day I tried to get the apple appointment and failed), and they managed to order the whole keyboard/top piece (this was a unibody MBP) and replace it by Wednesday afternoon, 3pm. They were super helpful and friendly the whole time, they never rushed me, checked whether my warranty was still good (it wasn't, my laptop is kind of old), and answered all my questions. I got a prompt call on the phone as soon as they were done. For my stupidity, I get one star, but they get all the stars for fixing everything so quickly and professionally. The quote was also right on. They also sent me back with a much cleaner screen! Thanks!! read more

Lessons Learned: My HP laptop and I have been partners for several years. It held many, many, many valuable documents, pictures and general information for my family and our family business; however, that was the ONLY place I had all this information. Unfortunately I dropped my laptop on our hardwood floors and it became inoperable. Imagine my distress. I took it to a family friend who worked in IT and he asked, "Do you have a backup" of course I didn't and he explained the importance of backing up my information. He took a look at it and told me "Your hard drive is too damaged, I can't fix it, you're gonna have to take it to someone who has a clean room and that's gonna cost you around $1700''. GULP and DOUBLE GULP! Not wanting to spend that type of money, I began the search for a repair company who I would hand over valuable information to in hopes they could repair my computer. Everywhere I called seemed cold and insensitive and expensive. I stumbled across Computerland and read through the yelp reviews. With the promise of over a handful of people to be treated great and have my computer repaired, I took a chance and went to Computerland. The gentleman I met with was VERY nice, he put me at ease about leaving my computer with him, but was also very honest with me. He told me what he was going to try to do, but let me know, I may need to send it to the big guys who would remove my information from my damaged hard drive in a clean room facility. I agreed and left my laptop in his hands. That was on a Wednesday afternoon. On the following Tuesday evening, I received a very friendly call stating that my computer was all repaired. Whew!!!!! I was beyond thrilled but immediately asked, if they sold external hard drives, so just in case this, or something else happened to my hard drive, I would have it backed up. I paid about 1/3 of the price the big guys charge including the the great deal I was given on an external hard drive and I am an extremely happy customer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So...... in all of this, I have learned two valuable lessons I'd like to share with you. Lesson 1, back up your hard drive!!! And Lesson 2, take your computer repairs to Computerland of Berkeley!!! read more

Fixed my computer super quickly. Pricey, it's not ideal to drop $150, but desperate times calls for desperate measures.

Nerko was great. He underpromises and overdelivers. I came in to get my iphone screen fixed. While he gave me a great quote (I know this because Ive had my screen fixed before) he told me it would take 8 hours. He my screen repaired my screen and gave me a free home button in 4 hours. 5 stars. Professional and helpful. read more

My computer's hard drive was completely wiped out. They tried to find a way to extract my files but unfortunately did not succeed. For trying they charged $20, which I thought was reasonable. I gave them 4 stars since they were easy to work with and didn't try to take advantage of the situation. read more

I had my computer service at ComputerLand of Berkeley. My hard disk crashed and I lost all of my data. And they were able to recover all my data in a timely manner. The cost was very reasonable and lower than anyone else that I've been to. The staff was very was very friendly and professional. Highly recommend this place! read more

Excellent service, and prompt repair of the dead hard drive in my old Dell desktop. They also recovered the data and reinstalled everything in a newer faster hard drive, at what was a very reasonable price. And definitely easier and cheaper than buying a new desktop. Very convenient location to Berkeley campus and Berkeley BART, also across the street from an AC Transit stop. read more

I went there for a diagnosis of my MacBook Pro. After the diagnosis they told me to change the lcd without further explanation. I don't think that is what a diagnosis should be like so I decided to get my laptop back. Later, I found that the screws on my laptop were not assembled! I was really angry and went back there. The technician there had a bad attitude and always found excuses for the mistake they made and refused to offer a reimbursement. Does it deserve an Apple premium service provider? read more

I ran into a motherboard issue building a gaming PC with my son. We are both novice PC builders. One can learn a lot online these days, but sometimes it just makes sense to bring something to the professionals. Josh at Computerland quickly diagnosed the issue. I grabbed a different motherboard at Best Buy and my son was up and running. The $50 rush fee to get it all done in a day was well worth it, and Josh was great. Highly recommend. read more

my computer wouldn't turn on and they fixed it in only a couple of hours, highly recommend

I called at 1pm and was in the shop getting my computer serviced in front of me by 2pm. They were pleasant, knowledgeable, accommodating and FAST! Not only had they heard of my weird and rare service bulletin issue (random BIOS lockup) but they knew all the details and urged me to come in quickly to get it resolved. Overall I'm blown away by their service and industry knowledge. Will definitely come back! read more

Hip Hip, Hooray for Computerland! I'm so thankful the nice guy at Apple suggested I come here to replace the trackpad on my "vintage" MacBookPro. ComputerLand had my baby ready to go in a flash (so fast in fact I was prepared to wait several days longer), charged me a fair price and even cleaned my laptop! It was so shiny when I picked it up, I wasn't even sure that it was mine. And ... super friendly customer service. I'll definitely be back and highly recommend ComputerLand to others! BONUS: ComputerLand is a certified Mac Repair Shop ...shaWing! read more

Guy and Nermin are the best. My Macbook Pro was still under warranty and I have Apple care, yet the pink and green spots that were appearing on my screen were not deemed worthy of a repair by Apple since their so-called geniuses "could not reproduce the issue". They kept my computer for a full week - no calls, no politeness, no repair. A full week of lost work because they held the machine hostage. Enter Gus. He did the necessary hardware test that revealed that the video card was defective. I brought my computer in at 10:30 am, and received it back the same day at 1:00pm. No fuss, no muss. If you are considering bringing your Apple into the Apple Store and fighting the snooty geniuses who are able to get Apple certified in 2 weeks, think twice and go to Computerland where you'll be treated with respect and professionalism. And...they'll actually fix your computer. Number one! read more

I've been a Mac user since the beginning, before man buns and Apple Stores. It's so great to STILL have a place where you can walk in with your laptop and get friendly, expert service without having to make an appointment with a "genius" followed by a week without your machine while it's being repaired in Cupertino. No thanks! I'll continue coming to Computerland as long as super-chill technicians like Adam keep giving me great service, clear explanations, and no hassles. read more

For the first time I had to find a computer repair shop. One month prior to going to Computerland of Berkeley I went to a computer store in my neighborhood and needless to say it broke down shortly afterwards. I wasn't given an assessment of the problem therefore I wasn't going to go back and go through the same hassle because I lost my trust. I read about Computerland I decided to give it a go. I left my computer for their initial assessment and afterwards they called me telling me the problem and what parts needed replacing. I liked their business acumen "very professional." Any computer problems that I may encounter in the future I'll go back to Computerland. read more

Very knowledgeable, very professional service. I would never take my laptops for repairs to any other places. Replaced the battery for free, cleaned the laptop and evaluated the price for upgrade in a very short time. Trustworthy and credible to say the least! Very satisfied with the service and the price! read more

All I wanted was a price quote : Employee asked me to my bring laptop in, after I inquired about buying a laptop battery. I told him I had the battery in front of me... " We would have to look at it and test it" again I repeated myself adding, "Could I just give you the batteries number... he responded " I'll ask my boss". The boss: "We do not sell batteries, we are not apple". " Thank you" I said and hung up. Do the math: Maybe the boss was having a bad day, the tone of his sure as @&^%# said so? read more

Computerland is a super alternative to the Apple Store for repairs. I walked in without an appointment on Wednesday morning and had my MacBook Pro back on Thursday afternoon with a brand new motherboard--2 days before the earliest available appointment at the 4th Street Apple Store. Thanks, guys! read more

I tried editing my last review but I'm not sure if that went through. Basically, The business owner was very sorry for my experience and offered me a refund on my diagnostic. I'm satisfied that my experience was a fluke and would be likely to come here with any other computer problems I have. read more

Very good customer service from Gus and his partner. Had a defective magsafe port on my macbook. They were able to fix it same day. So happy with their service. The price for repair was reasonable also! Thanks guys! read more

Very helpful, smart staff. They helped me with tips and ideas at the first consultation without even charging me. They're not in it for the money. Good people. read more

What a relief! After the Apple Store on 4th Street told me that they would have to keep my computer for 3 days just to replace the optical drive, I desperately went searching for alternatives. Behold - Computerland! They were extremely helpful and friendly. AND they can honor AppleCare so my repair was still covered under my warrantee. (Hurray!) Best of all they fixed my computer in a couple of hours. See you later Apple Store, with your hipster ways. I prefer the down-home service of Computerland. I'll definitely use them for all of my computer needs from here on out. read more

Computerland has the capacity for thinking outside the box. After 4 other attempts at other service provider places, (including apple support and apple genius) took on my troubled Mac book pro. The first 4 attempts I was left with, "its dead it's not worth it. Buy a new one." Computerland of Berkeley for a small nominal fee diagnosed that all I needed was a keyboard!! A small repair to get everything back to normal. And by that I mean work, production and deadlines that lead to invoices, 'back to normal'. Just think. Apple and others said I needed a new one. As a road warrior creative director I completely rely on my 17" top of the line (even by today's standards) Mac book pro. Thank you Computerland for not only restoring my work horse money maker but moreover my faith in indie service providers. read more

Could not have expected more!!! I had troubles with my Macbook (covered by my workplace under AppleCare), and instead of heading to the Apple Store, I thought I'd try Computerland. The experience was amazing. I got attention immediately upon arriving to the store, and was out in 5 minutes. Two days later I got my Macbook back with motherboard and screen replaced, and the whole computer looked like new (and my data was not deleted so I could just start working). Again I had to wait no time at all, and was out after a nice chat with the technician that worked on my computer. I'm was extremely happy with the service, and the staff, would definitely go there again if I manage to mess up my computer again. read more