I don't understand why it takes so long?

People often asks why it takes so long to diagnose and repair a computer.

At Chipheads we have developed methods to ensure that every computer will receive the expert attention of some of the best techs in the Twin Cities, and provide enough time for each computer to be thoroughly examined, fixed and tested.

There is a reason we are busier than many other local independent shops.  Chipheads does very good work and has an excellent reputation.  We spend more time than most other places on each computer, making sure not only your problem gets solved, but that we have identified any other issues and done all we can to prevent problems from recurring.

This means more time on the bench for each system.

We also fix many problems other places give up on.  Most techs are trained to replace or pronounce as "unfixable" any system that have any but the simplest problems, or they make things up when they don't know what is wrong or how to fix it.  They also limit the time systems can be on the bench.  Their philosophy is "if we can't fix it in a short time it isn't worth our time to keep trying."

And the last thing they want to spend time on is protecting your data.

They actually make most of their money on diagnostic fees and parts sales, and don't even try to fix anything that can't be fixed in a few minutes by replacing a part or selling you unneeded software "protection."

At Chipheads, we make real diagnosis and actually fix real issues, no matter how complicated. 

This means we spend more time looking for hard to find parts, more time researching and testing possible solutions, more time ensuring Windows is up to date, protected and ready to go when a reload is needed, making sure we have installed all supplied programs, making sure we have restored your data and reset your email and other applications when needed.

We never try and sell you software when freely available alternative tools that are licensed and completely legal can do a better job.

And we take more time talking to you, going over real options that benefit you, not us.

Why not add more bench space / staff / hours, you might ask?

We are constantly on the look out for talented techs.  But we refuse to hire anyone who can't provide real, honest results for our customers.

And to be completely honest, there aren't that many good techs out there. We routinely search for two months or more when hiring, and we train constantly.

We are in the process of expanding our locations and training in new techs.  But the only way we are going to grow is by continuing to offer real value for your money.

Good, quality service that produces real results will always take longer than shoddy service that takes advantage of people's dependence on computers but offer no value in return.

What can you do?

Personal computers are not going anywhere.  You will be depending on them more and more as time goes by.  There is one simple method you can use to free yourself from the consequences of being without your computer.

It's ok to depend on computers...  But never ever depend on one particular computer. Get another one, one that you can use if your primary one breaks.

Try to make yourself independent of one particular computer by keeping copies of important documents on cd or DVD's, other computers or external hard drives.

Save all installation CD's so you can re-install your programs on backup computers.

Take advantage of web based applications such as web based email and web based office software.

Also take the time once in a while to re-evaluate your relationship with your computer.  Question how you do things with it, and research other ways to accomplish your tasks that won't suffer if that little box let's you down!