I am not a big Yelp writer and it takes a pretty strong feeling about a business to cause me to write about my experience. Well, my recent experience at R-Computer meets all the criteria and it is with pleasure that I write the following 5-star to help you pick them as your next computer service company. I am writing to give my most enthusiastic 5 star recommendation for R-Computer in Concord. My laptop computer screen went black and I took it to R-Computer for repair. First time I ever went there--but I loved how the fellows sounded on the phone when I called in with my problem. After one week, I was called and told that whereas the part had come in, it was not up to the standard of the technician doing my repair and he asked if I could wait a little longer for him to send back the substandard part and get it replaced. I said sure, and was impressed that he didn't just put the part in, return it to me only to have it fail again. A few days later, I got the call that my computer was repaired, fully tested and ready for pickup. I told them I'd be in for the laptop in 3-4 days. About 3 days later I received a call from R-Computer telling me that they had suffered a break in "smash and grab" where the crooks smashed a window with a rock and grabbed about 8 computers and ran. Mine was one of them. Mind you, R-Computer (which has a gorgeous interior) has a state of the art security system and the burglars, with their hoodies hiding their faces were videotaped. Their system sends a signal to the police, but unfortunately the burglars were in and out before the police could get there. Fortunately, I was completely backed up on a separate hard drive at home (the most important thing you can do!!), and fortunately only suffered the loss of a 6 year old HP laptop. This is where the story gets juicy---cause this is where R-Computers really distinguished themselves. Dawn Roth, an owner of the company, called me personally to express her apologies for what had happened. Everything about her just glowed with kindness and empathy. I actually tried to ask after her also, since I know how she must have felt quite violated after having suffered such a break in. She told me that I should go out and purchase identity protection from the vendor of my choice and that R-Computer would pay for it. More than that, she said that her company would replace my computer with a brand new system at no cost to me. I later learned that her insurance company gave her less than $100 for my old laptop. The system she bought, brand new, for me was state of the art, HP laptop with windows 8.1 with all the latest bells and whistles, including a picture of bill and melinda gates (suitable for framing) and retails for about $900. They received the computer at their company, did the initial set up steps for me, and I picked it up in its original packaging a few days later. I can't say enough about this company. From the front desk/check in where you will meet incredibly knowledgeable and friendly computer experts who totally exude massive assuredness and enormous quanta of uber--geekability, right up to the owner of the company, they put everything out there for me and then some. Keep in mind---they did not have to give me any more than the insurance company gave them (less than $100), but Dawn Roth wouldn't take the cheap and easy way out, instead insisting that I allow them to replace it with a brand new system 9 times more valuable.. Throughout the ordeal, she and her staff kept me posted, followed through on every commitment and even gave me the police updates (they didn't catch the bad guys). They already had a beefy security system, including a roll down metal door at the front entrance (the burglars broke out a side window) and they are going to upgrade their security system also (welcome to our world). They have earned a customer for life (me) along with anyone else I can send their way. The theft of my computer was a fork in the road moment where those who really care about the customer versus those who are doing the minimum to get by and nothing more part ways. This company, from top to the bottom, only knows the high road--and is where you should go for any computer needs. I'm gonna go out on a limb and tell you I was so happy with them, that I am recommending you take a shoe, a hammer or a can of spam and break your computer just so have the pleasure of meeting with and working with these folks. I can't promise you a rose garden or a break in followed by a free upgrade, but hey, you'll still be a happy camper. Besides, you will have to go see them--If you have never tried getting spam out of your motherboard--it's harder than you think. Leave the heavy lifting to the spam picker gurus at R-computers. Tell them to save the spam, take 2 slices of bread when u go to pick up you computer and voila-- you've got a snack to eat in the car on your way home!! read more

I decided to update the security login password on my Dell Studio XPS Laptop. I work at a high profile criminal defense law firm in the east bay where deadlines are part of the normal noise. The next morning, I grabbed some coffee, checked my projects and went to work. I had (2) projects that had to get finished. I turned on my computer, waited for the login screen to appear, attempted to login three times with no success, I then realized I had changed my password the night before and for the life of me I could not remember what I had changed it to. For the next few hours I desperately tired to hack my system, (Windows 7 OS). However, my computer didn't care how smart or how literate I was, it was not going to open up and let me in no matter how loud and how hard I knocked. Noticing the time was 11:30 a.m., I began to panic, I just spent 5 hours on this with zero results, it was then that I accepted that I needed professional assistance. I summoned the mighty GOOGLE search engine to locate every repair shop in the east bay. There were even a few repair firms from SF that had leeched their way into the search results. Starting at the top of the list, I began a radical search for a computer locksmith to break into the house of digital that I had built. Having 20 vendors to choose from, I felt confident that this was going to be a snap. Guess what, two hours later and I am still trying to find someone to help me. First off, 69% of the shop's in the east bay were no longer in business. Of the remaining 31% another 20% didn't answer the phone and the others, well they simply couldn't help. I remember specifically calling a company by the name of "Fastek" yeah they were speaking my language since I am in need of FAST help! What I got was the answering machine, and it was normal business hours, really? Who does that? Regardless I left the message." Hi I am in desperate need of computer help; I am locked out of my computer due to a password change. I have pressing assignments that have to get done in the next 3 hours, if you can't return my call by 12:30 then don't bother calling back.". I then called 5 more numbers in succession when I got a live voice. I explained my situation to the this clown who had the audacity to tell me that my computer was now useless, "NOT". Staying the course I returned to the GOOGLE search list. There were only 3 names remaining out of the 20. My phone rings, it's a man speaking broken english from SF. He can send a guy out in wike foty men-uts, but it's going to cost wike $200, (he spoke perfect english when it came to the price, go figure huh?). I gave myself permission to hang up on him and I did. I then called "R" Computer, who were next on the list, one ring, two rings, thanks for calling "R" Computer how may we help you? Please connect me with the Service Dept, stat like. I heard a giggle and was transferred to Darnell Leong. For the umpteen time I explained my situation, you know what? Instead of trying to up-sell me, he thoughtfully walked me through a couple of scenarios intended to fix my computer over the phone, Darnell's advice was meticulous, after talking to lames all morning and into the afternoon, here was an honest guy that was interested in helping me versus fleecing my pocket book which he could have easily done since I was extremely vulnerable at that moment. Just as he suggested I attempted the repair(s) but neither of them worked. So I loaded up the truck and I moved to Beverly, umm I mean my laptop and drove to "R" Computer. Listen up, my actual experience at "R" Computer was top notch. When I arrived I was greeted Darnell who was eager to help me; Darnell began to work his skill set right away. No sooner had I sat down did Darnell hand me back my computer repaired & ready. Look here is the deal, "R" Computer are real professional computer technicians, they are not some cowboy repair place that are there one day and gone the next. The price they gave me for the repair was super reasonable, far less than the quotes that I did get and less expensive then any software purchase. All in all, everything about "R" Computer resonated with high marks. Oh yeah I almost forgot, its now 430 p.m., with my projects now completed the phone rings, I pick it up and low and behold its Fastek calling, they want to know if they could be of any service? I thought for a moment, and suggested she listen to my voice mail because the answer to her question was in there. Never take directions from people that appear unsure only from those that are confident. In Contra Costa County there "R" no other computer repair shops as far as I am concerned, You can trust this review as being accurate..... Why would anyone want to go through a day like the one I just told you about? The answer is you wouldn't. Going forward its "R" Computer who get the job of fixing "MY" Computer(s) read more

A little overdue! TL;DR: Built my first PC, didn't work, R Computer fixed it when multiple shops in the El Cerrito/Concord area were unable to. Killer customer service and skill. The long version: On a Sunday afternoon, a friend and I assembled a PC (first time for both of us). Unfortunately, when we hit the power button, the motherboard flashed once, keyboards/mouse came to life, but no BIOS. Ran through a list of 25 "potential fixes" we found online - still nothing. The following night after work, I disassembled and reassembled everything but the PSU, motherboard, CPU, and CPU fan. Still nothing - problem was with one of those four components. Realized at this point I was out of my depth. Tuesday, took it to a shop (leaving it unnamed...) in Berkeley that came with a recommendation and good Yelp reviews. Called the place beforehand, was rushed through the call, no questions asked, assured they could fix it. Brought it to the shop during rush hour post-work. Door locked, when opened I brought it in, put it down on the table. Owner THEN told me he only works with Intel PCs, would likely be unable to isolate which of the 4 components was the issue, and could only do a manual inspection. Elected not to do business with them. Each shop I called afterward had one reason or another why they couldn't guarantee that they could isolate which of the 4 components was the issue - no motherboard to test my chip (Ryzen 2700x), only work with Intel, no chip to test the motherboard, etc. When I called, a woman named Rhonda answered the phone, empathized over my bricked PC, and forwarded me to Vince in Sales. Vince thoroughly answered all my questions, and most importantly, explained that while no computer shop had the tools that AMD or Gigabyte have to test components (too expensive), that they would be able to isolate the problem component(s) via process of elimination. I work nearby, and Vince said it was no problem for me to bring it in on my lunch. Wednesday, bring my bricked PC to R-Computer. Rhonda remembers me, forwards me to Vince, Vince hands me off to Keith. Right in front of me, Keith expertly lays down the computer, pops off the sides, and gets to work. In no time flat, he pops off the CPU fan, pulls out the CPU, and we see 10+ bent pins. We had missed a tiny metal bar that needed to be lifted, and the CPU fan pushed the CPU, bending the pins. Keith says go back to work, I'm going home to get some special spectacles, no promises but I'll do my best. 3 hours later, I get a phone call asking if I want to hear the good news or the bad news first. When I ask for the good news, Keith let's me know it's all good(!), and the PC is up & running. Come to R-Computer, Keith brings me into the workshop where I see "Frankenstein" alive at 29 degrees Celsius. And, he did a killer job rewiring him. 5 Stars. Much appreciation to Keith & R-Computer. See Frankenstein off the operating table below. read more

R Computer Ten Star Review!!!! They saved me lots of money and undue stress! I contacted R Computer for the first time on November 10th and spoke with Keith. I contacted them because I was concerned that I had almost got scammed into purchasing tech support from an unsavory business, in an earlier phone call I made to a company that I thought was Epson (it was not). So I hung up and I immediately went online to find a local business that could assist me. I explained my situation to Keith. He was very patient and knowledgeable, explaining what I needed to know and why. He spoke to me for over 20 minutes and gave me advice about what free software I could install myself. I have installed software many times over many years, but was a bit rattled about my encounter with the ugly company trying to trick me into paying hundreds of dollars for unnecessary services. Keith then offered to dial in remotely and take a look at my system, for a mere $50.00, he would install the additional free software he suggested be added to my arsenal of protection. I said you bet. In less than 30 minutes he had my system protected and explained what I need to do weekly and monthly for the best protection. I am truly grateful! I highly recommend contacting R Computer first if you have any computer related issues. Tyna Headrick-Phipps read more

In the City of Concord (CA) (and adjacent Pleasant Hill) there are few businesses that sell and repair computers. There is Fry's Electronics, Best Buy, R-Computer, and a growing number of chain stores that deal in office supplies and equipment. I have been a satisfied customer of R-Computer since Year 2000. R-Computer is located on Golf Links Drive a block from Diablo Valley College, and a block from the Sun Valley Mall. There is good access from I-680 and ample free parking in front of the store. There are several reasons why I keep coming back for service or a new system. R-computer has a service rep named Darnell Leong who is part salesman and part "diagnostician." When you come in with a problem, Darnell will check your system on the front counter, and, either fix it right then and there, or provide an estimate of cost and time. If you bring in an system purchased at R-Computer, there is a lifetime warranty on hardware replacement. This means you don't have to pay any labor to replace items like HD, Memory, Power Supply, etc. This does not cover software issues like virus infections, data backup, or reinstalling Windows. I have purchased several custom systems from R-Computer. They will put together anything you want. And test it. And stand behind their warranty. read more

would give 6 stars if i could! VERY helpful, quick service, very patient with my non-techie questions, and most importantly - they resolved my problem! My hard drive crashed and i had initially taken the computer to Geek Squad at Best Buy. The young man there hooked up my computer to theirs, ran a quick scan and told me the hard drive was fried and ALL data was LOST. It appeared that every single bit was gone and unrecoverable, but if i wanted to spend a couple hundred they could send it off to somewhere else to 'try' to get something, but no guarantee and i still had to pay the money. :( I took a chance and brought the computer to R Computer for a "second opinion". I called ahead for their hours and got there shortly before closing. Keith immediately took out the hard drive and brought it up on their equipment. Within a few minutes he found my data and said it looked like most everything (and it was A LOT!) was there in back up folders! YAY!! I brought in an external hard drive the next day, he transferred everything (took 1 day), and i am back up and running!! It cost me $100.00 just as they said it would. They kept me updated on everything and were very helpful with my questions. I HIGHLY recommend R Computer!! Thanks for the great service! read more

I have been taking my computer to R Computer for service for well over 15 years and have always been greeted with the utmost courtesy and patience. Most recently I brought in my antiquated PC, and rather than pay for repairs decided to purchase a new HP mini Elite Desk and HP laser printer through R Computer. Ethan took the time to explain the pros and cons of a laptop versus the desk, and Ben explained how he can transfer everything from my old desktop to the new as well as virus protection, backup systems, etc. Everything went smoothly until I went to print and had to call Ben up to help solve the problem. He was able to access my computer and it took a little while, but Ben stayed calm and tried everything. It turned out that the problem was me, I had connected the USB to the wrong port in the back of the printer. Needless to say I was embarrassed because of this, but Ben assured me that these things happen and not to worry about it. Ben has serviced my computer many times over the years and he is always calm, courteous and very very patient and thoroughly explains what is going on. I have recommended R Computer to friends in the past, and they have all been satisfied with the service as well, and I will continue to do so. read more

I have been doing business for over a decade with these Folks, all for service with PCs I bought from somewhere else. They have been so good to work with in the passed that when I was ready for a new laptop I thought why not get it from them, I already know their service is great. So I went in and told Ethan what I needed, he listened with a great deal of patience ( I am admittedly a complete leadite!) he made some suggestions and we came up with a laptop and accessories that I needed for a fair price and best of all when I left I didn't feel like I had no idea of what the hell I had just bought. When they finished setting it up with everything I needed Keith in the service department again like Ethan went through everything with me with the utmost patience, answering all my leadite questions. I called Keith for some help the other day with exporting address files between sites, he explained everything in detail, and actually called me back today to make sure I had gotten everything I needed (I hadn't) so he took time to work me through the export and didn't charge me for the service call. It is so nice to me to be able to have a resource like R Computer locally knowing that I can get help when I need it. read more

Please do not take your computer to be service by R-Computer. It took us 3 weeks to get our daughter' s computer back. Brad was rude on the phone on my follow up calls on the status of when I could expect to pickup my daughter' s computer which she needed for school. His response was 5 to 7 business days on our 1st visit. He said he was going to call back but no response so I had to call periodically on the status. Again, his response was 5 to 7 business days on week two and week three. Also the price of repairing the computer kept going up from $220 to final cost of $456.97. I could have purchased a brand new laptop for that price. However, under my husband urging due to the time we already invested and money spent, he suggested that we have them finish the job not to return for future services. To make matters worse they forgot to give my husband the adapter at time of pickup, so I had to make an extra trip from Pittsburg to Concord to pickup the cable adapter. This was such a waste of my time and money for gas but my daughter needed this for her computer so it was a must on my part. read more

My employer used R-Computer to service laptop computers for our entire staff. I found their service to be very professional and efficient, so when I retired I continued to use R-Computer's services on an individual basis. Over the past two years they've helped me address a variety of issues, including virus and malware problems and locating the software I need. In mid-2017, when my computer suddenly died, I headed straight to R-Computer in Concord, even though I live in San Francisco. I wanted someone I knew I could trust. The staff at R-Computer put together a new computer for me, loaded it with all the software I needed, and "held my hand" through the whole process. Whenever any issue comes up that I can't handle on my own, I just have R-Computer access my computer remotely and they always have the answer. Although I've dealt with 3 or 4 techs at R-Computer, I've found it doesn't really matter who picks up the phone--all of the staff I've dealt with have proven to be very capable. A special shout out to Keith, who was the one who set up my new computer last year--what a lifesaver! read more

Our company have had a contract with R-Computer for a long time and they are heads and shoulders above all the other contractors we had in our past. Response is usually in a reasonably timely manner. Once on the job, the techs usually resolve the problems quickly to put us back on track. For a company that relies heavily on communication between the various sites, this type of service is critical. On a person note, I just purchased a tablet and needed help in customizing it to my peculiar needs. I easily made an appointment with their tech, Stephen Haitch at their Concord location. Stephen was knowledgeable and also very patient in pointing out easier and more functional approaches than what I originally have in mind. What answer he did not have was quickly provided to me as he reached out to the other members of the team. All in all, it was a very fruitful hour and a half that I spent at their location. Just a side note, their new office is a very welcoming and well decorated facility that on entrance, more resembles a cozy cafe than a computer geek's work space. Well done! read more

I have taken my &^$#^% computers to them for more than 15 years. They are always available, technically savvy, and polite. One of the aspects I like the most is their willingness to take some time to help me understand my problems (not personal!). My most recent problem was that my Win 7 operating system went haywire. They installed a solid-state drive, spent a huge amount of time moving my user files around, and helped me understand the basics of the Windows system. Keith was my guy there, and he put in extra time with my complex problem. When it was all over, their charges were very fair, even somewhat below what I expected. Keith also refused to accept additional money for his extra personal work. In addition, I know that they will take care of any problems I might have in the future, so I know where I can "go home" when I need it. No reservations from me--I suggest you take your %$^%$# computer to R-Computer and ask for Keith. read more

My wife's desktop's hard drive had crashed. R-Computer's tech, Darnell, was able to recover its data, replace the defective hard drive, provide and configure an external, backup hard drive, reload all my software and data; and add the latest useful programs -- all at a fraction of the cost of a new PC. I have used R-Computer for over a decade and trust them to build and service the computers for my small business and home use. These guys are the real deal. They have a streamlined set of the latest tools to diagnose and solve most PC problems, including viruses, malware, spyware, etc and then to make the computer go fast by optimizing the rest. And best, they provide honest value for my dollar; often looking at an issue and making a quick fix at no charge! Give Darnell, Brad and Ben a chance to prove they can do it for you. (Only problem: their lollipops could be upgraded.) read more

I am a customer of R Computer since 1996. The service has been consistently excellent and I highly recommend them for experienced tech people all they way to a novice. Most recently I had my fourth computer built by them and once again, benefitted from excellent (I don't give that word out randomly without thought) service both from Steven in the store and Matt's exceedingly one-on-one, in home service to us. Yes, it's as good as it gets in my book. I wholeheartedly thank them for their attention to genuine customer service with a big dose of patience for me, especially Matt. He was never condescending, never made me think ..."I should have known that". I am not attracted to technical devices, it is not my professional expertise and I depend on their skills and advice. To compare Fry's and Best Buy with R Computer is like comparing a cheetah to a gorilla. Huh? read more

I was extremely pleased with the service and advice that I received from the everyone at R-computer. My 9 year old printer was having issues, I called for advice of what the issue may be, with the help of Keith, we decided a new printer would be most cost effective, and I was guided to a printer that would suit my needs. A week later, my 3 year old desk top computer had issues. Discussing it on the phone with Ben, possibly it could be the power supply. I took it in, yes, the power supply was done, mother board bad, and the hard drive could go.... I bought a new computer from R-computer. I was extremely pleased with the guidance, advice and patience that Ben provided to me in choosing the correct computer for me. From diagnosis to new computer was very timely. I will use R-computer from now on. No more of the big box electronic stores for me. read more

R computer is the ONLY computer company that I will use. Sean Earl has installed everything (computer-wise) that we have. He has designed and installed ONSITE our network from the server, 4 workstations, 3 point of sale terminals to our 2 remote computers and tablets and everything "talks" to everything. No matter how we manage to screw up the system, Sean can get it going again. He comes out to our site or remotes in to our system and whatever we have done to mess it up, he fixes it very quickly. The service is very reasonably priced. If you need a new system designed, call Sean E. at R Computers for design, installation and ongoing technical support. The way they quickly and courteously come out to our site or remote in to our site is what sets them apart from all other companies. read more

My desk top suddenly started booting up until the point where the blue Windows screen said something like "Starting Windows: please wit". Then the screen would go blank. All the little motors, fans and disks were quietly whirring, but no picture. So off to R-Computer. After a long conversation I left it in the capable hands of Jason. The next day he called me with a list of problems he had uncovered and offered suggestions and costs on repair options. When I picked the machine up, on schedule, Jason patiently explained the many issues he had fixed, some minor, some pretty significant. It is working better than ever now, and I have learned some things not to do ever again. I was extremely pleased with the outcome, and impressed with the knowledge, skills and patience of Jason. read more

I was on a business trip to pleasant hill and I needed service with my work computer as it was not booting up correctly. I stopped in at R-Computer to get it serviced. They told me it would take 2 hours and I gave the employee my laptop. I decided to stay in the area and kill some time at a diner. After two hours, I stopped back in and the computer was sitting in the same spot as it was when I handed it to the employee. R-Computer claimed that the issue I had at hand was more complicated than they first thought and it would take another 2 hours. I was not happy as it seemed as though they didn't even touch it yet. Nevertheless, I waited another 2 hours and it was finally finished. Even though they did what they promised, I would not recommend them to others. read more

R-computer could not fix the problem with my computer even though I told them where the problem originated. Rather than seek out information on how to find what needed the fix, Ben Johnson said that the only way to fix the unit was to download all my personal data, erase everything from the unit, re-install Windows 10, and then put all my data back into the computer. Ben did not tell me that my unit would be changed forever, something I did not want. All Ben had to do was say that he couldn't fix the unit and I would have been on my way. I recommended a way to get a remedy but he refused to act on it. He and his boss, Ed Roth, are two of the most unprofessional people I have ever come to meet. Going to them would probably be committing computer suicide. read more