Getting Gouged by Geeks

The consumerist.com blog talks about computer repair companies that do not completely know everything that there is to know about computers.

CBC Toronto did a hidden camera investigation where they set up a desktop having a faulty memory module. Three of 10 computer repair companies correctly diagnosed the problem. The other seven said it was the motherboard, the processor, the video card, or even the hard drive. The hard drive argument included paying $2,000 to recover the user's data from a recovery firm.

While some of us can go on the internet and find the possible cause of our hardware or software problem, what about the people who are technically inept? Would you really trust your computer in the hands of the Geek Squad?

Do some research, get a second opinion, and hopefully you won't get ripped off.

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Posted by: bob
Posted on: October 30, 2007 03:45 PM

According to their website, for $249 the Geeks will troubleshoot, run a virus and spyware scan, update Windows, and make upgrade recommendations.

All of those can be performed for free. No cost for software. So you're looking at $249 for about an hour of labor. That's right - labor is $249/hr.

Dell sells a new desktop for about $400!

Imagine getting a tune-up on your car that costs 60% of the car's value. The Geek's are robbing people blind.

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