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The Computer Cafe

Computer Repair, Computer Sales, Computer Training

About us

Since 1996 The Computer Cafe has been serving the Boston Area with quality repair service, computer consulting, and computer hardware sales. We at The Computer Cafe have always prided ourselves on giving clients top notch service and advice. Most of our business is through referral and those referrals are given because of the great service that we offer our customers.

Business highlights

29 years of trusted experience
Emergency Services Offered

Services we offer

PC and Mac Computer Repair, Virus Removal, Laptop Screen Repair, Smart Phone Screen Repair, Home and Business Networking, Computer and Software Sales, Remote Support for Computer Repair, Flat rate pricing for most repairs in-store

Amenities

Emergency Services
Yes


Accepted payment methods

American Express
Check
Discover
MasterCard
PayPal
Visa

Reviews

4.737 Reviews
Number of StarsImage of DistributionNumber of Ratings
5
86%
4
5%
3
0%
2
8%
1
0%


Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
4.7
value
4.7
professionalism
4.7
responsiveness
4.8
punctuality
4.7
Showing 1-25 of 37 reviews

Aram J.
06/2018
5.0
computer repair
  + -1 more
As above, very well. They only charged me for the monitor. No service charge.April 15
Description of Work: Monitor died in the middle of work on a Thursday. I took monitor to the Cafe and they tested. Found that it was dead. Wanted to buy a new one form their supply, but the DVI-d of my computer did not match the HDMI of the monitor. So, they sent me to another store to by an adapter. I bought adapter and then went back to the Cafe and bought the monitor. They also gave instructions on how to adjust the resolution to get the proper view.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$159.36

LAUREL M.
08/2017
5.0
computer repair
  + -1 more
Took it in, tech opened it up, suspected bad memory card. Process of elimination found offender and removed it. No charge. Got home, rebooted and found it didn't like the configuration. (Hence, the 'B'. Would have been better if he, or I, had tried rebooting at the shop.) Originally (2) 1 Gb and (2) 1/2 Gb. Failed one was one of the 1/2 Gb. Config likes in pairs so, after calling, removed 2nd 1/2 Gb and back in business. What little I do on this backup/archive unit works fine with the 2 Gb total remaining.
Description of Work: Old Win XP PC stopped working and wouldn't boot. Flashed red light 5 times with audibles repeatedly when trying to boo.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Patti M.
05/2016
5.0
computer repair
  + -1 more
Justin explained it wasn't a big deal -- I could simply bring the old keyboard in and they'd swap it out for about $20. I came by the store the next day and the entire transaction took less than five minutes. I will absolutely use The Computer Cafe for any issues, large or small -- they are knowledgeable, helpful and reasonably priced!
Description of Work: Replace keyword damaged by my dog.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$20

Marija J.
03/2016
5.0
computer repair
  + -1 more
They were easy to deal with, quick and reasonably priced. I'd use them again.
Description of Work: Recovered memory from a hard drive.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$200

Will T.
03/2016
5.0
computer repair
  + -1 more
Professional job. Thoughtful recommendations. Pricey!
Description of Work: Diagnosed computer. Recovered Files

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
3.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$250

CHRISTOPHER C.
02/2016
5.0
computer repair
  + -1 more
I had purchased a new SSD drive from Microcenter, and I couldn't clone the old drive. The repair took a day and a half. Comp Cafe installed the operating system and all the HP add-ons, and installed the new drive in the laptop
Description of Work: Installed operating system on new SSD drive. Straightened out second hard drive in laptop. Installed new SSD Drive

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$120

John L.
07/2015
5.0
computer repair
  + -1 more
Dropped computer off Saturday noon. The person understood and noted the problem correctly on the repair order. He gave me and accurate estimate of the time required and the cost. The company sent me an email when the work started and offered to take calls and questions over the phone or internet. I called Tuesday to check progress. They called Wednesday at noon and I picked up the computer an hour later. The computer has been successfully repaired and I am using it successfully. The technician explained how he repaired this in as much detail as I wanted to hear. There was no additional charge beyond the initial deposit. I have used The Computer Café on one previous occasion, and they saved me a lot of money and aggravation. After 53 weeks, my bargain priced laptop got flaky. The manufacturer wanted 1/2 of the original purchase price just to look at it, with no guarantee of the ultimate cost of repair. The Computer Cafe diagnosed a flaky main board and estimated the cost of a new board as prohibitive, so I avoided throwing good money after bad with this PC manufacturer.
Description of Work: Repaired corrupted file and folder permissions in Windows, then ran diagnostics and virus check.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
4.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$69

John H.
06/2014
5.0
computer repair
  + -1 more
I brought in the disabled computer. The diagnosis ($69) was accomplished within a couple of days. (I paid and extra $25 for rush service to avoid a fairly long wait.) The tech called to explain the problem and how he would fix it, how long it would take, and what it would cost. Within a day or so it was done, and the computer worked like new. Total cost, including the new drive, was about $300 The operation was very professional in terms of their office, customer interaction, and professional performance.
Description of Work: Replaced failed desktop hard drive and successfully cloned software.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
3.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$300

Penny A.
03/2013
5.0
computer repair
  + -1 more
Before they replaced the keyboard, they called to tell me it was nonstandard, so would cost more. They wanted my approval before performing the service. They are professional and knowledgeable, and I don't hesitate to take my computer to them. I have purchased and serviced a computer from them, removed viruses, and researched the best new laptop for me. They deliver when say they will. They have always fixed my problems, and I recommend them highly. I never hesitate to use them--The Computer Cafe is my go-to place.
Description of Work: Replaced broken keyboard.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$150

James P.
02/2013
5.0
computer repair
  + -1 more
So far its turned out well. She did have to go back to have it corrected, but they were able to fix it while she was there. They charged what they charged her, and they did what they said they woudld do. She had a good experience!
Description of Work: They did some work for my wife's computer.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Davis D.
02/2013
5.0
computer repair
  + -1 more
They are great! I love them! They are nice, young and don't try to sell you anything or do any extra stuff you don't want you to do and they are really knowledgeable. It's fabulous to have this local option!
Description of Work: They fixed my computer because it wouldn't turn on.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

mary e C.
02/2013
5.0
computer repair
  + -1 more
It turned out quite well. I would recommend them! They won't do the work unless you approve it, so they tell you upfront how much it will cost and what needs to happen (if you need to get replacement or anything like that).
Description of Work: The laptop had crashed and they were able to recover it and re-setup everything, they even gave me a backup disc!

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Geoffrey E.
02/2013
5.0
computer repair
  + -1 more
They worked with us in the past and we continue to use them. We like them, they are responsive and they are knowledgeable.
Description of Work: They have done computer repair, server integration, IT security and other things.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
4.0
punctuality
4.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

janet K.
02/2013
5.0
computer repair
  + -1 more
I started going to them years ago, and I've been very happy with them I would recommend with no problem. I had Vista on my computer, and they were able to get rid of it and install Windows 7 for me and made sure all my data was successfully transferred. Their prices are reasonable and they are knowledgeable. They were also able to provide service quickly, and they can my access my computer remotely, too. I really trust them!
Description of Work: They do periodic checkups on my computer with the antivirus, and if I have a simple tech question, they are very helpful and very patient with me. They are excellent!

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Bruce D.
02/2013
4.0
computer repair
  + -1 more
They were quick and they did everything they said they would.
Description of Work: They installed antivirus on my computer.
Rating CategoryRating out of 5
Yes, I recommend this pro

Jeff F.
02/2013
5.0
computer repair, computer sales
  + 0 more
I have computer networking that they did as well as anti-virus removal and I've bought new computers that they installed for me. They have been great!
Description of Work: They have done work for me for the past 8-10 years.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

John F.
02/2013
5.0
computer repair
  + -1 more
They're just professional and prompt. They're great!
Description of Work: They did an upgrade on a computer and a repair.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

CRAIG S.
02/2013
5.0
computer repair
  + -1 more
It turned out very well and we would recommend them very highly!
Description of Work: They had to do a clean install of the operating system and succeeded in restoring most of the data she had lost.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

DONNA C.
02/2013
5.0
computer repair
  + -1 more
They are very reliable and honest. I also got a good deal on my pc!
Description of Work: I purchased a PC and they transferred the data from my old one to my new one.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

suzanne O.
02/2013
5.0
computer repair
  + -1 more
They were good. They explained things and I liked that they were local, too. I liked their attitude and they had a quick turnaround time. I liked how thorough they were and the work was good. I was really happy with the service. They talked to me in regular terms and not just using computer terms so that I truly understood what they were doing.
Description of Work: They did work for my business. I had them tune up my computer.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

scott S.
02/2013
5.0
computer repair
  + -1 more
I think it's a great neighborhood advantage if you don't want to go into a Best Buy/Geek Squad. It's a local alternative versus a national chain that you can get the same hardware and software products and services from an independent dealer.
Description of Work: They did some work on an old computer, and they did some software updates.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Gregg H.
02/2013
5.0
computer repair
  + -1 more
The Computer Cafe was great. They were efficient, in-depth, professional and they did a follow-up.
Description of Work: They got rid of a virus.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
4.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
4.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$200

Patricia M.
12/2012
5.0
computer repair
  + -1 more
Called to inquire about estimate for fixing computer mother board.
Description of Work: Called to inquire about estimate for fixing computer mother board.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Michael D.
10/2012
5.0
computer repair
  + -1 more
Really well. We have used them before and have been very happy with what they have done. Not pushy with anything. I also bought a computer from them.
Description of Work: The monitor was very old and needed repairs and bought a new monitor.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$150

Davis D.
08/2012
5.0
computer repair
  + -1 more
I like them. They are really good. I have used them quite a number of times and they are the only one I have been happy with. They are honest. They are responsive. They call me and tell me how much it is going to take to fix it. They advise me whether they do it or not. I keep dropping computers and if something breaks, I don't bother with the warranty anymore because most of them are rip-offs. I just take it to the Computer Cafe.
Description of Work: I used The Computer Cafe for repairing electronic devices.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$85
    • 1(current)
    • 2

Contact information

430 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA 02474

http://www.compcafe.com

Service hours

Sunday:
Closed
Monday:
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday:
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday:
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday:
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday:
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday:
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Licensing

Insured

Eco-friendly Accreditations

LEED Accredited Professional
No
Energy Star Partner
No
EPA Lead-Safe Certified
No
Use Green Products or Work Practices
Yes
State Contractor License Requirements

All statements concerning insurance, licenses, and bonds are informational only, and are self-reported. Since insurance, licenses and bonds can expire and can be cancelled, homeowners should always check such information for themselves. To find more licensing information for your state, visit our State Contractor License Requirements page.

*Contact business to see additional licenses.


Service Categories

Computer Repair,
Computer Sales,
Computer Training

FAQ

The Computer Cafe is currently rated 4.7 overall out of 5.

Sunday: Closed

Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Thursday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

The Computer Cafe accepts the following forms of payment: American Express,Check,Discover,MasterCard,PayPal,Visa
No, The Computer Cafe does not offer free project estimates.
Yes, The Computer Cafe offers eco-friendly accreditations.
No, The Computer Cafe does not offer a senior discount.
Yes, The Computer Cafe offers emergency services.
No, The Computer Cafe does not offer warranties.
The Computer Cafe offers the following services: PC and Mac Computer Repair, Virus Removal, Laptop Screen Repair, Smart Phone Screen Repair, Home and Business Networking, Computer and Software Sales, Remote Support for Computer Repair, Flat rate pricing for most repairs in-store

Contact information

430 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA 02474

http://www.compcafe.com

Service hours

Sunday:
Closed
Monday:
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday:
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday:
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday:
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday:
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday:
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM