Great service! I brought my MacBook Pro here for the keyboard recall program. I had never been anywhere other than an Apple store for hardware repair, but was convinced to get The Computer Loft because I needed a same day appointment (none were available at the Apple store) and only this placed showed up. I checked Yelp and saw so many good reviews, so I gave it a shot. I was extremely pleased with the results! The owner of The Computer Loft was so helpful and friendly and gave me an accurate estimate of when I would get my computer back. Apple wanted to take my laptop for a week or more, while The Computer Loft had it back to me in a few days. I will definitely be coming here first, over the Apple store, in the future! read more

TAKING ADVANTAGE OF SENIORS With a referral from Apple's online tech support I went to Computer Loft for my password wouldn't unlock my Mac mini nor could instructions for getting a recovery screen work. At Computer Loft the technician dramatically described a scenario of the system struggling to find enough bytes in storage to operate, and that conflicts exhausted the system etc. etc. He finally gave an estimate of nearly $400 for data recovery and repair of the hard drive. Deciding to get a 2nd opinion, I went to the Apple Store, where further diagnostic tests found my computer was OK, just a bit slow being nearly 7 years old, but still with 900 terabytes of the system's available 1000 terabytes. BUT, when I returned home, I again couldn't unlock the computer. My son rechecked using the cap locks key instead of the shift key. THAT WORKED. Turns out my keyboard's shift key was defective. Why did Computer Loft tell me all that malarkey? Is that how they conduct business, taking advantage of a technically-challenged customer, especially an old lady [83] like me? read more

They are always helpful, always friendly ~ even when you call them with a slightly hysterical tone in your voice. They check to see if repairs are under warranty and they are just really helpful. We've used them for a couple of years now for all our Macs and you just can't get a better group of guys. They are the best to use. Period. read more

If I could give 6 stars I would. I spilled water in my laptop and was completely freaking out because I found that my backup was also corrupted. The Genius Bar tried to be helpful, but the best they could offer was a 7 - 10 day turnaround on possible data recovery. Alex at the Computer Loft was unbelievable. The environment was so calm... not frenetic like the Apple Store. I walked in, no appointment, and within 10 minutes there was a solution. It turned out it was a very expensive bottle of water... but the next morning I had a new laptop with all of my data loaded onto it. I will never go to the Genius Bar again. This experience was better than any experience I have ever had there with respect to time and the knowledge of the team. I couldn't ask for anything more. read more

This is a review for the trade-in service at The Computer Loft. I had the opportunity to upgrade my four year old MacBook Pro to a new model, but learned that the Apple Store doesn't do trade-ins on site. Having purchased the new one, I wanted to get the old one off my hands quickly and identified The Computer Loft as an option nearby. I've kept my laptop in a case and paired with a keyboard cover its whole life. I even kept the original box and documentation. Making sure to wipe down the surfaces, I made it look as pristine as possible when bringing it in for a quote. The employees were nice and recognized the care I had taken. While they couldn't give me a firm offer the day I visited (since it's the owner's call and he wasn't in that day) they gave me a written estimate. They offered to hold onto the computer and said they would call with a final offer from the owner the next business day, and that if I wanted I could either come by and pick up the check or they could very easily mail it. I felt comfortable leaving my laptop with them, and they even provided a receipt just in case. The final offer I received was on the low end of the estimate, but the estimate was VERY fair in my opinion (a relatively savvy Apple consumer). I was more than happy to accept the offer. The check came the next day. In all it was an effortless experience where I didn't have to fight for its worth. I would highly recommend The Computer Loft to anyone looking to trade in their Apple computers and desiring a stress-free experience. read more

My review only covers minor repairs, but I'm sure that I'll take my computer here if (hopefully never) I need major repairs. So, I managed to spill oil on the touch pad of my mac book in what I consider a triumph of clumsiness. After an irritating month of trying very hard to ignore the problem, I finally walked around the block and took my computer here. The service was quick, responsive, and friendly. A great alternative to the apple store location-wise and price-wise. read more

These guys have saved my butt at least twice! Everyone's like, oh, your computer broke? Take it to the Apple Store! Nooooo! I can't function and work without a computer for 3+ weeks. And no work = no income = no fun times out. This most recent time, I knew it was the logic board, and they agreed, and they even had it fixed a day earlier than promised. I got it in around 7 pm on a Monday, they called me on Wednesday at noon - can't beat a day and a half turnaround on a logic board. read more

I was told by an Apple tech to br my computer to this store. I was greeted by a young man named Jake who was wonderful, helped me immensely and made me feel very positive about Computer Loft. read more

I have a Mac that I love, but that sometimes doesn't love me back. Last summer I crashed 5 harddrives. Mac replaced it and then I dropped it and crashed another one. Now I'm having electrical problems...but this isn't a review of my mac-- it's a review of my mac saviors. When my first HD crashed, the apple store wouldn't touch m machine with a 10 foot pole because they won't do data. So the CL fixed it....but then I blew my OS and they fixed that. Then I blew 4 more HDs. I've knocked a star off because it's been intimated to me that the subsequent 4 crashes may have been caused by faulty repair or a bad batch of HDs that the CL had-- but they still were friendly, timely, helpful. Everything was under warranty which was great but in some cases they also did free data transfer. I'll be going back again soon...unfortunately. read more

This place is awesome! Got referred here from Apple support because I needed a screen repair that was under warranty. Gave the tech my MBP and was told it'd be done in four days, but they called the next day to say that everything was done! New screen looks great - this is an Allston gem. read more

I've been doing business with these guys for years now. I'm talking hundreds of Macs. I'm a Mac tech myself and go to these guys whenever it's anything related to hardware/warranty repair. Who else replaces parts under an hour while I go to Sunset Grill and grab a beer or two? Best customer service and turn around time. Even though we're a business, I send everyone I know to them and they're treated the same way I am. read more

The only downside is the wait time, it's worse than a doctor's office. Other than that, these guys know what they're doing. If you have Mac, avoid Apple Store by all means and directly go to the Computer Loft. read more

These guys are excellent! I came in to get my laptop repaired, they were able to diagnose the problem and point out where I could get a new battery, and when I did show up in store they installed it for me no charge in under five minutes. They even let me borrow a charger, and overall were super kind and helpful. I also saw them provide excellent service to the other customers attending. I wish them the absolute best and will definitely go back for future computer fixes! Thanks guys read more

If you ever need work on your Apple computer/laptop, go to the computer loft instead of Apple. They make sure you know what everything is going to cost, work quickly, do free diagnostic tests, you can get an appointment the same day most of the time, and they helped me figure out how to save $700 on a repair I needed for my laptop. I don't think I will ever go back to an Apple store for my computer. read more

Terrific alternative to the Apple Store. These are real techs who care about customers vs. Apple who is indifferent to customers. While I was waiting for my MacBook Pro data migration, I observed an incredible act of community generosity by the owner. He hates to be thanked but I am letting the Yelp community know that the karma is strong with this shop. read more

Computer Loft SAVED THE DAY for me! I called ahead (after being disappointed with another local electronic shop) to see if a battery part was available that lead me to speak with Jake who was very thorough with my item needs, price, and repair info. I arrived, found parking right out front, walked through the stellar submarine-like door, and was greeted by genuine faces. Every step was detail oriented, easy, and fun. (Seriously, I enjoyed myself). They are directly connected with Apple databases and pulled up my MacBook's system info to get the absolutely correct item. They quoted me about ten min for the repair, it was done in half the time! Also, the price was very reasonable and included service payment. I'm still in shock. They offer so many services in addition to repairs. I highly recommend and will use them for all my future Mac needs! Woot woot! read more

My 2 yr old MacBook started shutting down randomly while in use, so I actually went way out of my way to bring it to The Computer Loft based on the good things I've heard and because I was afraid the Apple Store would ship it off for diagnosis and I just couldn't wait that long! My computer is probably the most valuable thing I own so I take a lot of comfort in knowing exactly where it is and in having direct contact with the people working on it. I'm so SO glad I came here. Everyone was really friendly and helpful, they told me that the problem is pretty common to MacBooks and is an easy fix. phew! They had my computer back to me, good as new, in 3 days. The diagnosis is free and they'll quote you before doing any repair so it's definitely worth the trip out to Allston...even if you detest the B line. read more

Was easy and fast process. Overall it was good experience comparing with crowded Apple stores that you have to make an appointment all the time read more

Echoing what other happy customers have shared! I had issues with my MAcBook Pro and did not get anywhere at the Apple store because when they ran the diagnostic test, everything looked fine. They neglected to share with me that the issue I was having with my keyboard was very common. I learned this when my keyboard acted up not long after I brought it in and decided to get it looked at by the pros at Computer Loft. They are knowledgeable, friendly and saved my butt a few years back by encouraging me to get the extended warranty- paid off. read more

Had some trouble with misdirected Ableton files on my flash drive. Luckily they have a guy that specializes with some DAW issues, Kevin. Guy got everything running smooth again in less then 15 minutes and gave me a run down on what do do if it was to happen again. read more

My computer took three days to get fixed. I picked it up today because they told me it's fixed but it's not and I've been trying to log on to my computer for the past hour. I'd show a picture of it, but I can't post it for whatever reason. Moral of the story is waste of time and money on my part. Super disappointed. Don't recommend going. read more

The Computer Loft - Waste of time and money on my part. Super disappointed. Don't recommend going. - IT Services & Computer Repair Near Me - Allston, Massachusetts

Amazing! The fan on my 2012 Macbook Pro completely died with zero RPM and my laptop's CPU continuously overheat to 100 degrees Celsius. I didn't want to continue using my laptop because there are too much work stuff on it and I was afraid of it overheating and I didn't want to bring it into Apple's Genius Bar because all the Genius Bar guys will do is charge me $800 flat fee for any and all repairs when I just want a new fan. These Computer Loft guys only charge me about 1/8th of the $800 to fix my fan! They said it will be done in 3 days but they actually finished it one day earlier! AMAZING! Will come back for all Apple repairs. read more

Wow! Literally amazing customer service. Jack/Jake was incredibly patient with me while I called my friends for advice on which apple device to purchase. I was so indecisive but he was willing to explain the pro and cons of each device over and over which each one of my friends. I never once felt like he was nudging me in any direction; he truly wanted me to make the best purchase based on my financial capability. I would HIGHLY recommend Computer Loft for your next apple purchase! 5 stars! read more

They were very easy to work with and repaired my computer fully. I appreciated their frequent communication.

The people at the Computer Loft are incredibly professional, fast, and provide excellent service. I highly recommend them. They upgraded my iMac's RAM (the model that needs to come completely apart to get access to the motherboard) in 2.5 hours. I couldn't be more satisfied with their service and speed on a mission critical computer for my business. read more

I found this gem of a place as I searched for an Apple authorized repair for my MacBook. I went here after reading the great reviews and I'm so glad I did! What a professional place with amazing help! I chose not to attempt to repair my MacBook after their recommendation and need a new MacBook. I will be returning for my purchase when they receive their shipment. This will be highly recommended to friends and family for sure! read more

The Computer Loft made my laptop disaster so much less stressful! Instead of waiting a week to even get an appointment at the Apple Store, I was able to drop it off as soon as it broke. The staff were very pleasant, provided helpful information and advice, and the computer was ready a day earlier than expected. As a bonus, the decor is fun and the place is easy to reach on transit (Green Line B and some bus routes). read more

The guys at Computer Loft are so knowledgable, helpful, nice, and awesome. Diagnostics on my MacBook were easy and quick. They overnight the part, then you come within 2 days for repair (or leave your Mac with them). If you go to Apple for battery problems, they take your MacBook for 5+ days to ship out and repair. Hell no! They replaced my MacBook Pro Retina battery in an hour and a half. Everything was easy and enjoyable! I'll be back for anything else I need. read more

Very friendly staff! I had a mishap with a glass splashing a few drops of liquid onto my macbook air keyboard. I knew the damage wasn't extensive (everything worked except for a few sticky keys) but Apple wanted to replace everything for $750. Eesh! Luckily I stopped in here and it turns out only the top case needed repair. There was a discrepancy between the price parts quoted by apple (they said a topcase would be $150, the loft said $225), but the staff was incredibly helpful and we were able to meet midway. (Still a huge savings from the apple store's price quote!) While I hope not to have to stop in again, I will be sure to go here first for any future repairs needed. read more

My Mac was 6-7 years old when I decided to bring it to the Computer Loft. I hadn't turned it on in 2-3 years and obviously encountered some issues when I tried to use it. I thought maybe it was gone forever but figured I would bring it to the Computer Loft to see if they could do anything. For an extremely reasonable price, they updated my computer and got it working again in a very short amount of time. It has been about 6 months and my computer is still working great. Thank you to the team for saving me a lot of money that I would have had to spend to replace my Mac. read more

I have been to the CL many times and each time they have been straight shooters regarding my MACS, (all of which are older machines)/ They have brought my compters back to life, and assisted me when the repairs were over "my Pay grade". Affable and knowledgeable they tell you the truth and do not waste your time. read more

I have never come across customer service as good as the one I received from The Computer Loft. They literally saved me. I own a MacBook Pro that I've had for four years now and I've never had any problems with it. I had Apple Care on it but it expired after 3 years. Last night, I went to bed and my computer was fine. I woke up today and my computer literally would not turn on...there was just a gray screen with a file and a question mark. I looked up what this meant and everywhere I looked for answers, people said that my hardware was done and basically I was screwed. I started to panic because I have a 20 pg paper due tomorrow that is stored on my computer and this was the last thing I needed. I got my boyfriend to try and fix the computer on his own, no luck. He took it to the apple store (which was empty) and they told him they'd be able to look at it in about 2 hours. He didn't want to wait so he took it to the Computer Loft. He told them what had happened and they immediately knew what was wrong! Apparently, the 2012-2013 models of the MacBook pro have some sort of manufacturing error that has been causing this problem for so many people. They immediately took my computer and fixed it within an hour...ON THE SAME DAY. My paper was there, everything was there, and my life was not over. I literally had to go in there and say thank you to the people at the store 4 times because I just thought my computer was done...and I did not expect to get this kind of service because I'm used to horrible customer service from Apple. It all came out to be free because it was covered under some extended warranty since this is a manufacturing error. I can't say thank you enough. I will 100% be returning here if I ever have any issues with my apple products. read more

My wireless keyboard died and new ones from Amazon were going to take a while to get in. With the Apple Stores closed, I'm SO grateful to The Computer Loft for staying open during the corona crisis. They're super knowledgeable and professional. I also love that they're right in the city (not too far from the big Star Market on Comm Ave) but they're also close to the Mass Pike. The Computer Loft is a GEM. read more

I've been to the Computer Loft twice and have come out extremely satisfied and happy with their work. The first time, the hard drive had failed and when I took it to the Genius Bar, they told me that I had liquid damage and that if it was sent to repair by Apple, it would cost me $800+. The Genius that worked there then recommended me to get a second opinion at the Computer Loft. I took my computer there, they opened my computer up right there, told me there was no liquid damage. They then told me to choose a new hard drive, which I did, and then popped it in within 5 minutes. They only charged me for the hard drive itself. The second time, one of my keys popped off and they were happy to help me pop it back in within a minute. Overall, great place for cheaper but just as great service compared to the Apple Store. read more

My 8-year-old MacBook Air needed help. I brought it in on a Friday, very quick diagnosis. AND! it was ready (with a new part) the next Tuesday. And (in these times of Covid-19, they were closed on the weekend). Two-day turn-around for a "vintage" machine. Highly recommend this place for your Apple needs. Thanks guys!! read more

I too, like many, was recommended to this shop by a local Apple store. I had a MacBook Air (out of warranty) that needed some work done ASAP (recall on a hinge that was prone to cracking), and the Apple store wanted to send it to their repair center to get it done (taking 1+ week). I was greeted by some employe after about 5 minutes of aimlessly standing around trying to find someone to help me. I explained to him my problem, and he promised a quick turn around time with no hassle. I got a call the next day that my laptop was ready to be picked up and did so. Again, another 5 minutes of waiting before the boy sitting at the counter could look away from his solitaire game to help me. I quickly inspected the work and went on my way. As much as I wish the story ended there, it doesn't. I went home noticed something peculiar: the computer had no sound. I tried all my normal troubleshooting steps with no success, and called in to the shop to report the issue. I was told to bring it in and they would get it taken care of. I arrived a few days after (soonest I could get in) and talked with one of their laptop techs. He apologized repeatedly for the issue, saying that it was "his fault" and that they'd have it up and running in no time. I asked if there was any possibility this was my fault, as I didn't want to wind up paying for this repair (rather live without sound then shell out $900+) to which he replied, no, that it was entirely his fault. I received a call several days later stating that my computer was again ready to be picked up. I drove down, and to my extreme surprise and disappointment, the problem was not solved. The computer still lacked any sound. The one laptop tech that the shop has working for them was not in yet (he apparently get's in at 12) and so I left without any answers or computer, but a promise to set things right. Fast forward to 1+ week later, still no news and no computer, I came into the store to get a status update. I was met by the shop owner, saying that they talked to Apple, and the computer would most likely need a new logic board. They said that they would not cover this and that I would have to pay out of pocket. I expressed my concerns, that the tech admitted it was his fault, they replaced parts previously because it was their fault, and that the problem occurred while the computer was under their care and on their workbench. The shop owner told me that "coincidences happen" and that the tech was "no where near the parts in question for the original repair." I told him that, despite whether he was near them or not, everything is connected in a computer, and a slip or graze of the hand to some unrelated circuit is not out of the question, and that as a business, they should take responsibility of this problem, as it arose during their care of the computer. He told me tough luck, and even expressed should I decide to go to court, he would be victorious. I called up Apple, who did not agree with the shops ruling, and they were kind enough to cover the repair at no cost to me at one of their Apple stores. I have reported the shop to the BBB and have warned all I know to stay away from this place. They may seem pleasant and polite, but be warned, the first sign of trouble or additional expense, they back out and go running. The few extra days and dollars to get it done right and professionally the first time. read more

I was hoping this place would be a less crowded, more personal alternative to the apple store but i am sorry to say i was sort of disappointed. I know it is hard to run a business and i do not want to chide then excessively but hopefully this is constructive criticism. I went in on a Friday afternoon with an issue with my screen. My computer was still working but the screen had lines on it. I showed it to the salesman who told me it is NOT covered under apple care and it was going to be $450. I was ok with this. I wasn't happy about it but I could deal with it. My problem was that they told me the part would not be in until sometime next week, at the earliest, but that I would have to leave my still functioning computer at their store, which would be closed over the weekend, until they fixed it, sometime after the part came in next week. I asked, if i could pay some sort of up-front deposit and come back with the computer when the part came in, giving me the option to have my computer over the weekend. This seemed like a reasonable thing to ask. I know repairs take time and a few days without my computer would be ok but to have it sit on a shelf for no reason, especially while their store was closed, seemed silly. The only solution they offered was for me to pay an extra $100 to be a priority customer. For this they would call me when the part came in and they would make me a and fix it as I waited when I returned sometime next week. That sounded like a great service but that was not really what I was asking and I balked at paying the addition $100. That would make the repair a painful $550! I asked if there was some sort of middle option where they could call me when the part came in but where they didn't have to fix it as i waited. I said even if it took a few days to fix after they got it in that was ok but they told me it was just not worth their time and said that if i backed out that they would have to go through the hassle of returning the part to apple and that was too much trouble. I mentioned the idea of the deposit again but it fell on deaf ears. To me the problem is that i chose to go to a small store where thought i might be able to be dealt with reasonably and with some common sense and that maybe a store like this could give me some sort of tangible advantage to going to the more bureaucratic but efficient apple store but it just didn't work out that way. So i got an appointment with the Cambridgside apple store for the next day and they were extremely nice and way more personable than this place and told me the repair was covered under apple care and that they would fix it for free. Also they told me that if i did have to pay for it the repair would be $435 not $450. Bottom line here to me is that it may be entirely possible that the Apple Store has the ability to be more lenient about what is covered than a small store. I could speculate why this is but i don't have the answer, but I have since talked to several people who back this up. Because of this i don't necessary blame this place for wanting to charge me. It is possible they were just going by the book. My issue is in how they handled me as a potential customer. They are completing with a giant business that is run extremely well and i can only imagine how hard that must be but being more flexible and personable would really have gone a long way to winning me over. Hope this is helpful to someone. read more

Had really high expectations coming here but left disappointed and not willing to give them business. It's my first time needing a repair for my MacBook and I have zero knowledge of anything related to computers. That said, it would have been really nice if the employee would explain what the process is but I ended up asking him several tiny questions, to which he sounded annoyed/frustrated, that could've been avoided if he just said "this is what happens from here, tomorrow, then later, etcetc." Some notable things I was asked/told: 1. "Do you not want your computer fixed...?" -- this is when I asked him how the pricing works. He said, from what I understood, that they hold on to the computer while they check for issues with an expected $150 repair price unless it might be more, which they'd let me know. I said that I'm debating whether I should repair the computer (no insurance and unsure of when the computer might break down again) or just buy a new one WITH apple care to avoid the headache in the future. Once I mentioned that, things went downhill from there.. I guess Computer Loft isn't interested in potential customers if they're not 100% using them. 2. "Does that even matter?" -- I asked him if this is an issue (several Kernel panics) that he sees often. To which he answered as if I was asking the dumbest question in the world.. I don't care if it is; proper customer service doesn't not entail making the customer feel like an idiot. So I told him that this is my first Mac and I honestly don't have the slightest clue what's going on. Being that he's the repair technician, I'm sure he has much more experience working with computers. 3. Diagnosis was faulty RAM and logic board. I was told login board = brain of the computer. Then I had to play "guess what" to find out what RAM was.... "Is it for memory?" to which he answer "Yes." I didn't want to have to ask again for a brief explanation so the conversation dropped after that. 4. A lot of "I mean, I don't know for sure/I can't say ....." Which is a valid response to many questions in the world but he started off his answers saying that for 80% of my questions, some of which were yes or no questions....... For example, I asked him if I could've done anything to ruin the RAM or logic board (since I have yet to drop my MacBook or wet it or anything, I wanted to know what I screwed up), I think his ultimately answer besides the whole "IDK, can't say" answer was that I couldn't do much to break it? So then I asked could it be a defective item, and he said his "IDK/can't say" again. Honestly, that was a yes or no question that could have been further explained: YES it's possible Apple screwed it up or NO, I single-handed my messed up my RAM and logic board, or BOTH, there's lots of factors involved, etcetc. Of course I wasn't looking for definite answers, he hasn't looked at the computer for very long. I was asking general questions not case-specific questions about my fault my Mac. But the fact that he answered the questions with such annoyance/frustration at my lack of computer knowledge was insulting. 5. My favorite part hahaha I swear I was chastised for not buying AppleCare!! "Well you had the option of buying AppleCare up to a year after purchase and you chose not to..." in a passive-aggressive tone. Yup, I am aware. Hence, why I was standing in front of you. I thought (based on my little to nothing knowledge) that MFR defects aren't my fault and would be covered by Apple but it's not (which I can't do anything about obvs) so I'm not arguing about the answer I was told but the way I was told the answer. TL;DR Poor customer service from one employee. (The employee next to him helping another customer was so friendly and explained things thoroughly) The length of the appointment could've been more efficient if I were just told what the process is instead of having me do the guesswork to get a better idea of the steps in computer repair. On the plus side, his passive-aggressive way of "explaining" things definitely helped me choose in just buying a new Mac with Apple Care. I just wanted to get out of there. read more

This is the go to place for Mac repair in the Boston area. Cream of the crop. Fast and reasonably priced too. Just came in from our new digs in Acton for a minor repair - did it while I waited. Can't recommend them enough. (They also do authorized Applecare work!) read more

I don't know how so many people write then good reviews? Maybe they write fake reviews for themselves. I think they are rude, inconsiderate, selfish and just trying to rip people off. My mistake was to deal with them. Special parts ordered to overpay I understand. Paying money & having my pc still ducked, well that means I got ducked lol. Ripped off. But thankfully another place in Allston figured out my problem and my pc is back within the living. read more