I’ve been thinking how my laptop has been my constant work companion for the past few months–through think and thin it’s been reliable enough in helping me beat deadlines and do research. However, there are also times when this little (OK, not so little) machine needed to take a break and pay a visit to the doctor’s clinic.

Being a used (very) unit, I no longer enjoy the warranties usually extended by manufacturers and–sometimes–retailers. So I have to make do with what third-party shops have to offer.

But most of the time, you cannot expect quality service from those who do not really know a thing about laptops. Sometimes, there is also a tendency for laptop “experts” to rip you off.

I had a not-so-good experience with GTG laptops at the Podium. In the two times I’ve brought laptops to the shop, I ended up with badly-handled units that were probably better off before. I actually discovered simple fixes to some problems, such as in the notebook I’m using right now (relating to how IBM thinkpads lock the hard disk once the BIOS password is saved), that the technical personnel at the shop were not able to consider.

I also experienced missing screws, missing power cables, and creaks where there were none before.

I also had a not-so-good experience with one shop (name conveniently forgotten) at Virra Mall at the Greenhills shopping center–the owner was trying to pull one over me. He was trying to sell me equipment at exorbitant prices (but I really needed them, so I had to haggle and make do with his “last price”). It pays to know your stuff, or at least look the part. Otherwise, people will take advantage of you especially if you seem ignorant.

Well, I think that’s the general culture with many (but of course, not all) of the sellers there, so unless you know what you’re talking about (i.e. you’ve checked prices online and with contacts who are more well-versed in the topic), you’re likely to be ripped off.

At any rate, I’ve found two interesting shops that seem honest with their dealings. They’re laptop hobbyists, so they know–and, more importantly, love–what they’re doing. And they’re rich anyway, so they won’t have to rip you off to earn a living.

• CoolToyz – they love German cars, and live by the philosophy “brand is more important than new”


• ValuePC – also experts in battery repacking

The owners are fellow members of popular online listing site TipidPC.com (quite a lot of good deals and reliable sellers–but I still advise everyone to exercise precaution when dealing over the ‘net). I’ve been to their shops and it’s interesting how they develop businesses out of hobbies.

Next time your laptop conks out on you, do give these guys a call.

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