Computer Software & Hardware

Apr 2024

My old MacBook Pro unexpectedly shut down and entered a restart loop, leaving me in a panic as all my data, including personal photos and videos, as well as crucial work files, were stored on it. Although I subscribe to Dropbox, I hadn't saved most of my files, and none were backed up. I called Norm, who immediately reassured me by saying I could stop by anytime. This was a relief, given my state of panic. When I arrived, I explained that I didn't want to repair the laptop if it was impractical or too costly. I just needed to retrieve my files. Norm was both friendly and professional. He opened up my laptop to see if there was a way to get it to start. Once we both realized the laptop was beyond repair, I asked him to help me retrieve my data. Despite my desperation, and he was fully aware of it, Norm didn't exploit the situation by overcharging me. Instead, he educated me about computers and hard drives and found a device that would allow me to recover my files. He advised me to buy the device directly and didn't charge me anything for his time! Not only did he not overcharge me, he didn't charge me at all! Norm is extremely professional, friendly, knowledgeable, and generous with his time. He truly cares about his customers, which is evident from his 30 years in business. My visit to his shop was not only educational but also a pleasant experience. I'm thrilled to report that his advice was effective, and I have now recovered all my files. I've also learned my lesson about backing up my data. Norm is the best! I wholeheartedly recommend him for all your computer needs.

May 2022

The guy here is creepy and angry. I submitted a request on Yelp for a quote to transfer the files and software from my existing laptop to my new one. I was told "We charge $90 an hour. It usually take [sic] about 3-4 hours." So I show up at the agreed time and the guy starts working on the file transfer. I probably should have known something was off, because he kept putting his hand on my thigh when he would make a comment. So I tried moving the chair and pointing my legs away from him. When I asked him about transferring some of the software, he said he didn't know about it and that I would have to come back again and it would take 6-8 hours. When I pointed out to him that I had been told 3-4 hours, he lost it and refused to do any more work. I strongly recommend avoiding this place.

Aug 2020

Norm is great !! I was trying to figure out why my ergonomic vintage key board wouldn't work with an adapter to sync with my Dell laptop. Because my lap top wouldn't would not work, he gave me his 15+ year vintage ergonomic Microsoft keyboard which synced up fine. I had to insist that he let me pay him. Super nice guy ! JT Orinda