The Computer Loft

Blair worked with me to get into my old MacBook that wasn’t accepting any password I’ve ever used. He was genuine in helping me and distracted me with great conversation, probably knowing I was in a panic after learning how ancient and used my laptop was and how I may not be able to transfer my old content to my new device. Apple couldn’t help me with any of this since it was such an ancient version. Blair saved me misery, loss and more panic. He got me into my laptop, cleared up some space on my overwhelmed hard-​drive and told me how to safely and quickly get my stuff over to my external hard-​drive. I am so thankful for the accommodating and friendly service at The Computer Loft. I will always go to them for any of my computer needs.

I was hoping this place would be a less crowded, more personal alternative to the apple store but i am sorry to say i was sort of disappointed. I know it is hard to run a business and i do not want to chide then excessively but hopefully this is constructive criticism.
I went in on a Friday afternoon with an issue with my screen. My computer was still working but the screen had lines on it. I showed it to the salesman who told me it is NOT covered under apple care and it was going to be $ 450. I was ok with this. I wasn’t happy about it but I could deal with it.
My problem was that they told me the part would not be in until sometime next week, at the earliest, but that I would have to leave my still functioning computer at their store, which would be closed over the weekend, until they fixed it, sometime after the part came in next week.
I asked, if i could pay some sort of up-​front deposit and come back with the computer when the part came in, giving me the option to have my computer over the weekend. This seemed like a reasonable thing to ask. I know repairs take time and a few days without my computer would be ok but to have it sit on a shelf for no reason, especially while their store was closed, seemed silly.
The only solution they offered was for me to pay an extra $ 100 to be a priority customer. For this they would call me when the part came in and they would make me a and fix it as I waited when I returned sometime next week. That sounded like a great service but that was not really what I was asking and I balked at paying the addition $ 100. That would make the repair a painful $ 550!
I asked if there was some sort of middle option where they could call me when the part came in but where they didn’t have to fix it as i waited. I said even if it took a few days to fix after they got it in that was ok but they told me it was just not worth their time and said that if i backed out that they would have to go through the hassle of returning the part to apple and that was too much trouble. I mentioned the idea of the deposit again but it fell on deaf ears.
To me the problem is that i chose to go to a small store where thought i might be able to be dealt with reasonably and with some common sense and that maybe a store like this could give me some sort of tangible advantage to going to the more bureaucratic but efficient apple store but it just didn’t work out that way. Genius Bar appointment set for Saturday morning at Cambridgeside.
Then when i went to the Cambridgside apple store they were extremely nice and way more personable than this place and told me the repair was covered under apple care and that they would fix it for free. Also they told me that if i did have to pay for it the repair was going to be $ 435 not $ 450.
Hope this is helpful to someone.

In regards to the service you’ll recieve at computer loft? Efficient… friendly… and best of all COMPETENT!
So happy to have found this place, I will never go anywhere else. (Not to slam the genius bar at apple — because they are great. But these guys at computer loft are just apparently MORE GREAT! hehe)
I was told elsewhere that I’d need wipe out my entire macbook pro and reinstall the os (which was going to have to involve a hard drive data retrieval process, etc). I was helped by Jonathan, in a matter of 3min he had resesitated my macbook back to life. I’m so grateful.

This place is great! After back and forth with many apple support I found my way here to get it backed up before apple was going to wipe everything and try reinstalling my OS. I was pretty dismayed and was wondering if this was the end of my four year old laptop. Instead, the computer loft immediately figured out the problem and got the part replaced (hardware wire) in less than a day! So pleased.
As for some reviews that have discussed an employee here being curt/​patronizing, I disagree. I’m unsure of their name but the gentlemen I worked with gave it to me straight. While other people may find this off-​putting, I appreciated it immensely after days of sweet but not quite as useful Genius Bar employees. He told me what was wrong and why file vault shouldn’t be used on my computer. He’s straight to the point– but still very informative. The day after I met the owner when I came in to pick up my computer and he is very sweet and helpful as well.
I will definitely be sending all my friends here if they experience Mac trouble! Thank you SO much.

Jonathan helped me with my MacBook Pro today and was totally amazing. My computer hasn’t been starting up and the Apple Store told me they would have to erase my drive and rebuild the computer from scratch, but Jonathan fixed the problem in 20 minutes. It was easy and he was super calm and professional. THANK YOU!

Had really high expectations coming here but left disappointed and not willing to give them business. It’s my first time needing a repair for my MacBook and I have zero knowledge of anything related to computers. That said, it would have been really nice if the employee would explain what the process is but I ended up asking him several tiny questions, to which he sounded annoyed/​frustrated, that could’ve been avoided if he just said «this is what happens from here, tomorrow, then later, etcetc.»
Some notable things I was asked/​told:
1. «Do you not want your computer fixed???» — this is when I asked him how the pricing works. He said, from what I understood, that they hold on to the computer while they check for issues with an expected $ 150 repair price unless it might be more, which they’d let me know. I said that I’m debating whether I should repair the computer (no insurance and unsure of when the computer might break down again) or just buy a new one WITH apple care to avoid the headache in the future. Once I mentioned that, things went downhill from there. I guess Computer Loft isn’t interested in potential customers if they’re not 100% using them.
2. «Does that even matter?» — I asked him if this is an issue (several Kernel panics) that he sees often. To which he answered as if I was asking the dumbest question in the world. I don’t care if it is; proper customer service doesn’t not entail making the customer feel like an idiot. So I told him that this is my first Mac and I honestly don’t have the slightest clue what’s going on. Being that he’s the repair technician, I’m sure he has much more experience working with computers.
3. Diagnosis was faulty RAM and logic board. I was told login board = brain of the computer. Then I had to play «guess what» to find out what RAM was… «Is it for memory?» to which he answer «Yes.» I didn’t want to have to ask again for a brief explanation so the conversation dropped after that.
4. A lot of «I mean, I don’t know for sure/​I can’t say …»
Which is a valid response to many questions in the world but he started off his answers saying that for 80% of my questions, some of which were yes or no questions… For example, I asked him if I could’ve done anything to ruin the RAM or logic board (since I have yet to drop my MacBook or wet it or anything, I wanted to know what I screwed up), I think his ultimately answer besides the whole «IDK, can’t say» answer was that I couldn’t do much to break it? So then I asked could it be a defective item, and he said his «IDK/can’t say» again. Honestly, that was a yes or no question that could have been further explained: YES it’s possible Apple screwed it up or NO, I single-​handed my messed up my RAM and logic board, or BOTH, there’s lots of factors involved, etcetc. Of course I wasn’t looking for definite answers, he hasn’t looked at the computer for very long. I was asking general questions not case-​specific questions about my fault my Mac. But the fact that he answered the questions with such annoyance/​frustration at my lack of computer knowledge was insulting.
5. My favorite part hahaha I swear I was chastised for not buying AppleCare! «Well you had the option of buying AppleCare up to a year after purchase and you chose not to…» in a passive-​aggressive tone. Yup, I am aware. Hence, why I was standing in front of you. I thought (based on my little to nothing knowledge) that MFR defects aren’t my fault and would be covered by Apple but it’s not (which I can’t do anything about obvs) so I’m not arguing about the answer I was told but the way I was told the answer.
TL;DR Poor customer service from one employee. (The employee next to him helping another customer was so friendly and explained things thoroughly) The length of the appointment could’ve been more efficient if I were just told what the process is instead of having me do the guesswork to get a better idea of the steps in computer repair. On the plus side, his passive-​aggressive way of «explaining» things definitely helped me choose in just buying a new Mac with Apple Care. I just wanted to get out of there.

The comrades at Computer Loft went above and beyond to repair my ailing Mac device. They not only troubleshot it and replaced the broken logic board (thankfully while I was still under AppleCare), but also replaced the cracked screen b/​c they had an additional one that was available. Skilled, knowledgable and easy to work with.

My computer was in for malware repair last week. Picked it up & am just opening to the same issue not addressed. It’s Saturday & they’re not open on the weekends. No VM and no EMAIL?! For a computer business? Their site is incredibly basic-couldn’t have been updated in the past 10yrs. I don’t get it but I’m annoyed. Only reason it didn’t get 1 star is that I’m hoping they’re able to fix quickly and efficiently on Monday. We shall see and stars will go up or down depending but $ 175 later and this shouldn’t be happening. Not pleased.

The Computer Loft came highly recommended by someone at the Genius Bar-​and they were 100% right! They provided a realistic assessment of my options (my mac book was 6 years old), were able to retrieve all my data, and gave some helpful advice about upgrading to a newer model. Highly recommend!

Just spoke to some dick on the phone who when I asked if they had A Male to A Male USB cables he told me there was no such thing as that in a very rude, mansplaining patronizing way and I told him they sell them on the Internet but he said no there’s no such thing as that and wished me luck. He also was rude as soon as he answered the phone and wasn’t even like, «hey sorry I can’t hear you can you repeat that?» Just told me «I have no idea what you’re saying you need to say that again.» Seemed like a real prick and probably thinks he’s hot stuff cause he knows a thing or too about computers and women are *so stupid* calling and asking a simple question. Ok dude, thanks for all your help, so glad I can feel comfortable buying electronic devices from your store. Naaaaaht. Thanks for nothing.

I highly recommend Computer Loft (which was recommended to me by Apple Genius Bar Chestnut Hill). Blair did a great job resurrecting my external hard drive (in minutes) and educating me on properly backing up my Air data, phone and videos!

Only 48 hours after my computer crashed, the hard drive is replaced and running better than ever thanks to The Computer Loft! Everyone is exceptionally friendly and makes you feel like you are leaving your computer in the right hands. I asked a ton of questions and the employees made me feel so confident that I was making the right decision. My Apple appointment is still a few days away and my computer is already running perfectly, definitely the way to go with any Mac problems!

You can imagine the fear and anxiety of waking up one morning and your laptop not being able to start. It would glitch on for 3 seconds and then turn off. I safe started it using the shift key but the second my finger left the shift key it would turn to black. And on top of this add the bad timing that I’m leaving boston permanently at the end of the week.
I made an appointment with the Genius Bar at the Apple Store but they couldn’t schedule me for another 3 days and even then we all know there’s no guarantee they can fix it. Not to mention with an expired customer service and warranty it would cost me an arm and a leg.
After searching Unilocal I came in yesterday afternoon (and how convenient that they’re right in Allston where I live — closest Apple Store being off Hynes), I told them I was leaving at the end of the week. Within 24 hours they fixed it, called me up and I went to pick it up. Cost $ 125 and my computer is up and running like new. The fact that it got fixed and picked up within less than 24 hours for a presumably cheaper price than the Apple Store gives them a 5 star review from me!

I’m having a problem with my iMac running slow so I called the Computer Loft and spoke to Craig. After giving me some suggestions over the phone, we increased the speed and virtually eliminated the pinwheel of death! I suggested doubling my RAM for more efficiency and he agreed. So he shipped me 2 more memory boards and walked me through installing it myself! I love this place! I live in Texas but have been dealing with C.L. For several years now after being recommended by a close friend! I highly recommend them! You guys Rock

I am very attached to my 2011 15″ Macbook Pro, with a data-​doubler and extra RAM. The screen went grey one day at work and, naturally, I was terrified to lose my Mac… but I also wasn’t ready to spring for a new one, if this guy was truly dead.
Fast forward through useless correspondence with Apple Geniuses and somewhat helpful talks with the folks at OWC: I walked through the door at Computer Loft, explained what had happened with my Mac, and perhaps 5 minutes later had been reassured that it was probably my logic board. Don’t worry, it’s covered under Apple warranty. Don’t worry, it’s free. Don’t worry, your Mac will be fine.
And indeed it was. Less than a week later, I was handed my Mac, had a great conversation with the gentleman I think might be the owner, and left a customer for life.
These guys are awesome.

I can’t say enough good things about The Computer Loft. My Macbook Pro mysteriously stopped turning on at just about the worst time ever. It was going to be three days before I could even get an appointment at the Genius Bar at the Apple Store, and while I got in to see the Geek Squad at Best Buy the same day, they said they would need to send it off for possibly two weeks. That wasn’t an option, so I searched on Unilocal to find the best place to take in my Mac.
The next morning, Tess at The Computer Loft was awesome. She quickly and simply explained what could possibly be wrong with my computer. She noted what would be the easiest/​simplest fix and what would be the most complicated/​expensive. She said it could be about a week to fix in-​house, but that they may have to send it out to Apple, worst case scenario. I hoped that it was the simpler/​cheaper/​quicker fix. She was courteous and helpful and made a stressful scenario much better.
My computer was all fixed in less than 48 hours. It ended up being the simpler fix, and my wallet got out relatively unscathed. ALSO — my data was totally backed up. I couldn’t have been happier with the quick and friendly service and will absolutely take my computer back any other time I may have problems. Thanks so much, Computer Loft!

Recommended by the Apple store due to my computer being «vintage». Stopped in to buy two replace keys for my keyboard. They took it in the back and 45 seconds later he came back out. Keys fixed and no charge! The guy who helped me out was very friendly and helpful. We chatted for a few minutes. Amazing service! If you have a problem with your Mac go here NOW! I will definitely be back if I encounter any issues but will certainly recommend to other friends. Thanks!

Miracle Workers! My Mac had crapped the bed and my local Genius Bar @ The Apple Store was of no use. They recommended Computer Loft who appear to be the Seal Team Six of Apple repairs. It shakes my confidence in Apple Stores a bit if they’re people weren’t able to fix a software issue and The Computer Loft had the machine running like new in a few days but what ever. Photos, work stuff, other random files all saved thanks these guys. Thank you very much Computer Loft. Hopefully Im not back for any issue any time soon but I will send anyone with problems that i know your way.

I’ve been to the computer loft a few times now and every experiences has exceeded my expectations. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. Their service is great, and in my experience extremely fast.
I sold my old macbook pro, and simultaneously purchased a new macbook air from them last year. The price the gave me for my old computer was much more comparable to what I could get selling it on my own than what I saw at other trade-​in locations. They also set up my new computer with all of my setting and transferred my data, which made the whole experience 100 times more pleasant than doing it on my own.
I recently spilt on that macbook air, and the lovely people at the computer loft were about to complete the repair within one business day! (friday afternoon drop off to monday afternoon pick up) They helped make an unpleasant situation much more manageable with their great service.
I would recommend the computer loft to anyone and everyone.

This is a review for the trade-​in service at The Computer Loft.
I had the opportunity to upgrade my four year old MacBook Pro to a new model, but learned that the Apple Store doesn’t do trade-​ins on site. Having purchased the new one, I wanted to get the old one off my hands quickly and identified The Computer Loft as an option nearby. I’ve kept my laptop in a case and paired with a keyboard cover its whole life. I even kept the original box and documentation. Making sure to wipe down the surfaces, I made it look as pristine as possible when bringing it in for a quote.
The employees were nice and recognized the care I had taken. While they couldn’t give me a firm offer the day I visited (since it’s the owner’s call and he wasn’t in that day) they gave me a written estimate. They offered to hold onto the computer and said they would call with a final offer from the owner the next business day, and that if I wanted I could either come by and pick up the check or they could very easily mail it. I felt comfortable leaving my laptop with them, and they even provided a receipt just in case.
The final offer I received was on the low end of the estimate, but the estimate was VERY fair in my opinion (a relatively savvy Apple consumer). I was more than happy to accept the offer. The check came the next day. In all it was an effortless experience where I didn’t have to fight for its worth. I would highly recommend The Computer Loft to anyone looking to trade in their Apple computers and desiring a stress-​free experience.