Sunday, March 25, 2012

Hardware Unlimited Review

I love being able to support independent, locally owned businesses. Hardware Unlimited is just another example of why this is the case.

First and foremost is the level of service the employees provide here. They are very knowledgeable and are willing to spend as much time as you need to answer your questions. They do all this while being friendly and listening to your needs. I have been here on many occasions ready to buy something and after talking to the employees a cheaper alternative has been recommended...that's customer service!

On top of the great service, the selection of items here is incredible. I yet to find myself in need of an item they do not have. The items they stock should satisfy most of your hardware needs. They also have an impressive amount of kitchen gadgets along with bathroom and office items.

Hardware Unlimited is what a hardware store should be...great service with a great selection. This would be my hardware store of choice, even if I didn't live two blocks away!

3326 Sacramento St
(between Presidio Ave & Walnut St)
San Francisco, CA 94118
Neighborhood: Laurel Heights
(415) 931-9133

Finkeltron Review

Our office has been working with Sam for about a year now. Before we hired Sam, we had a lot of technical issues with our computer system, We had a previous computer tech that worked us into a mess, but Sam cleaned it all up. Now -a-days, I hardly see Sam, he was able to set up our office to the point where we don't have any technical errors anymore.

Not only is Sam a genius with computers, he is also a really nice guy. I can depend on Sam to come to our rescue if any problems do occur. He's always available and willing to come and help us out. He's also taught me a few computer tricks I never knew before. So, if you are in need of a computer tech that knows what they are doing- give Finkletron a call !

He has helped us with networking issues, automated backup solutions, exchange server setup, I don't even remember what else (but definitely a bunch of other stuff too).  Every time I have a question, no matter how random, Sam seems to have an answer.  He recently made changes to his backup provider that actually lowered my monthly cost.  I loved that he proactively let me know that the new provider was less expensive, and willingly passed his savings along to me.

2929 23rd St
(between Alabama St & Florida St)
San Francisco, CA 94110
Neighborhood: Mission
(415) 935-3465

MIT Computers Review

Recently brought in my old Dell desktop for repair. For a sliver of the price it would have cost me to replace this directly through Dell, Charles helped build me a brand new tower - that is miles better than what I would have received anywhere else for the comprable price. Charles makes the store. He has great insight on the new technology, but makes sure to appropriately balance that knowledge against your budget.

My HP Pavillion video card went out and w/Pavillion's the video card is part of the Mother Board - so I needed a new mother board.  HP said that they no longer carry them for my computer (about 5 yrs. old), and said I needed to buy a new computer.  Went to Geek Squad and they said they could not make it work, but would transfer my data at a very high price, plus I had to buy a computer from their store and I went to another place that said the computer will not work, but they could transfer the data. 

I found this store by walking by - the fellow, Mike, knew exactly what was wrong and the issues the Pavillion's were having.  Within an hour, he had my computer up and running at a very very very good price! These guys are honest, the price is right and they know what they are doing!  I'm so glad I found them!

3236 Scott St
Ste B
(between Chestnut St & Lombard St)
San Francisco, CA 94123
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow
(415) 529-1086

Keane Mac Repair Review

Screen stopped working on my black Macbook on a Wednesday.  Apple couldn't get me an appointment till Saturday, checked Yelp and found Keane.  Took my laptop in on Thursday and they told me what they thought was wrong with it and what the costs would be depending on what was wrong.  Paid a $75 deposit normally $95 because my Macbook is a little older.  They said 2-5 days, I actually heard from them the next day.  While the news was not what I wanted to hear because it was the most expensive of what could have been wrong however I felt very trusting of them.  They fixed my screen and had it to me by Saturday afternoon which was great.  They also did a full check on my computer and let me know that my battery would need to be replaced soon.  So nice they do a full check incase there could be something else wrong.  Definitely will be going back to them with any other issues I have with my Macbook, even though I am hoping that won't be for a little while!

I had a failed harddrive and when the Mac store told me it would be 10 days to have it back.. I knew there had to be another solution and they gave me Keane's information. I called the next morning (Sunday) and they not only were able to have me drop it off that day, but got it done and reloaded by end of the day (within 4-hours). They are seriously amazing and would highly recommend them for all Mac repairs..

870 Market St
Ste 1090
(at Cable Car Turnaround)
San Francisco, CA 94102
Neighborhood: Union Square
(415) 835-9800

Chaz Computer Services Review

Chaz is more than excellent. He knows computers and he has university degree in Computer Science and numerous certifications. He also really cares about the quality of his service. I had a problem called about 10:30 pm  twice and he talked with me and thought about the issue. He also comes to you and your computer. He is the best

My Dell is 4 years old and it had some Issues - like the motherboard replaced. He knows whats causing your computer to act not right. He knows when its something he can handle or if it needs to go to a vendor. So now my Dell has new motherboard , Dell service took care of another issue and yesterday Chaz increased my computers memory. Its working now and so I can work with it. Many thanks to Chaz Computer Services from Judy

2 Loehr St
(between Leland Ave & Visitacion Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94134
Neighborhood: Visitacion Valley
(415) 200-7777

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

The Zembu Group Review

For over ten years I've relied on Bill Melcher and his Zembu Group for all of my personal and business computer support. He's been fantastic -- always coming up with creative solutions perfectly scaled to the scope -- and budget -- of  my small business as it's changed over the years. He has managed my equipment purchases, set up my network, hosted my website, and kept it all humming. His knowledge, his creativity, and his unfailing dedication to his clients have been great. My highest recommendation!

25 Rosemont Pl
San Francisco, CA 94129
Neighborhood: Mission
(415) 355-9832

Finkeltron Review

Sam has been helping my wife and me with our small home office for the last year or so. We met him by referral from trusted colleagues who highly recommended him and they were absolutely right on. He has helped us with networking issues, automated backup solutions, exchange server setup, I don't even remember what else (but definitely a bunch of other stuff too). Every time I have a question, no matter how random, Sam seems to have an answer. He recently made changes to his backup provider that actually lowered my monthly cost. I loved that he proactively let me know that the new provider was less expensive, and willingly passed his savings along to me. How great is that? I also like the fact that although I believe he is busy with many clients, he always seems to be available or returns my call quickly when I need help.

2133 Hayes
(between Cole St & Shrader St)
San Francisco, CA 94117
Neighborhood: Western Addition/NOPA
(415) 935-3465

TechCollective Review

I went to these guys to get help transferring data from a hard drive on my dead MacBook to a new MacBook. They were totally awesome! They saw me as soon as I arrived and did a quick overall diagnostic check on my MacBook at no charge. There was none of the scheduling and fee bullshit that other companies charge, just an honest desire to help me. What a total world of difference from the hell that one must go through to get any help at all from Apple. They started work on my machine right away, and in about 30 minutes, the transfer was finished, and I was on my way. The fee was very reasonable. They also took my old MacBook to have it recycled.

263 San Carlos St
(between 19th St & 20th St)
San Francisco, CA 94110
Neighborhood: Mission
(415) 285-8882

Grey Matter Technical Services Review

Rich has very fair prices, he is knowledgeable, and amazingly helpful. What's even better is he is not some big electronics retailer with an agenda; since, as it turns out , I need to buy a new computer.  I took my note book to Richard not knowing why it wouldn 't boot up...anything. Diagnosis: fried mother board. Rich offered to fix it, but after researching the cost of a new one it's really not worth it; you see, my notebook is an older, refurbished, exotic model, LOL. Rich migrated my hard-drive data $35 to a loaner (which he supplied and did not charge me for) and that's pretty awesome. So while I figure out what to buy to replace my old laptop, I am still able to keep my business going using the loaner.  Rich is pretty awesome!

1466 18th Ave
(between Kirkham St & Judah St)
San Francisco, CA 94122
Neighborhood: Inner Sunset
(415) 935-4739

Cindy Potter Graphic Design Review

Quite simply, Cindy is amazing. I've contracted her to work on various projects, large and small, over the years. Right out of the gate, it's clear that you're working with someone who is professional, highly skilled, and distinctly creative. For each project, she has sat down with me for a brainstorming session and has helped me consider aspects of the visual look and design that I hadn't even considered. She's so good at the creative aspect, as well as execution which, to me, is what separates an outstanding graphic designer from a mediocre one. Anyone can have technical proficiency, but not everyone has a creative spark. With Cindy, you get both.

I would recommend, without hesitation, hiring Cindy for any project where it's critical that to get your message across with a bang. Her work is slick and savvy. Additonally, she's incredibly easy to work with.

Alabama Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 254-4498