I had my laptop repaired at SST Laptop in SM Mall of Asia last week. It was really hard for me to leave my beloved laptop with them, especially because I haven’t backed up any of my files recently. *LOL* I know, what a mess, right? Plus, I was a bit nervous that someone will tinker with my files and photos. I don’t trust anyone to fix my computer. But, I had no choice. I didn't know how to fix the problem with my laptop and I don't want to mess with its circuitry.
What happened, you might be wondering. Well, we first thought that the problem was with the power adapter. The night before we went to MOA, my laptop won’t stay on at all. I figured it was something to do with the battery or some unused battery charge so we tried to reset it. Nothing. Then, Mai heard some kind of static caused by a short circuit on my power adapter. So, we finally figured it was the problem and not my laptop. I was actually thinking of having my dad repair it, but I don't want to risk it since I don't want to cause further damage to my beloved laptop (come to think of it, I should give this baby a name, what d'you think?) Mai and I are more technically experienced and knowledgeable with fixing desktops so we brought it with us when we went to MOA.
We were supposed to go to the HP repair center in MOA, but SST Laptop’s signage welcomed us as soon as we got off the taxi we were riding. It was like FATE, I tell you, 'cause the sign above said "Laptop Repair Specialist". And what was I looking for? Exactly that! *LOL*
So, Mai and I decided to bring my laptop to them first WITHOUT even a clue if they’re reliable. I usually research online first for negative feedback regarding a certain company before we bring them our business. But, I had no choice. I had to get my laptop fixed and I was just hoping that SST Laptop won’t mess it up and charge us ridiculously. And since they claim to be the laptop repair specialist, they're expected to do a pretty damn good job in repairing laptops. They're like the laptop doctors. I wonder if there are POS systems doctors, too.
Anyway, when we arrived, they tested my power adapter. We really thought that was the ONLY problem so we had them fix it first. They said it’ll be fixed in 2 hours. They had me fill up a form with my contact number. They told me they’ll send me a text message once they fix it. If they get to fix it, it’ll only cost me Php 600 (about $14). But, if they need to replace something inside my power adapter, I’ll have to pay Php 900 (about $20).
I thought it'll just be good news after that. I know I should’ve had them test my laptop, too, and not just the power adapter. It could’ve saved me a couple of hundreds, maybe, ‘cause when we got there, we found out that my laptop’s power slot also had a problem. The capacitor might need to be replaced, and that alone can cost me Php 1,900 (about $45). Waahh! So, goodbye to our food trip plans for June. *LOL*
I had to leave my laptop with them and that’s what really scared me the most, aside from the costs. They said it’ll take them 7 to 10 days to fix it, and it’ll depend on the queue. They had a couple more laptops on queue to get fixed so I thought to myself that maybe, they’re a reliable repair shop after all. Plus, they only charge Php 400 for diagnosis/checkup, unlike other PC/laptop repair shops I've read about online that charge Php 500-700 just for finding out what's wrong with your computer.
Before we left, they had me sign all the components of my laptop – RAM, hard disk, battery, adapter, everything inside! It's some kind of security or assurance that no one there can replace your laptop parts. And they also wrote down the serial numbers on the invoice that I took with me.
By the way, when we were there, I saw one of the IT people in my college. I knew he looked familiar. I remembered him as the one who takes care of the computerized enrollment in our school and he’s the guy you call when we experience issues in our computer labs. He was as friendly as he was now. It was him who greeted me first. I guess I’m really a bit of a snob ‘cause I didn’t say anything to him before that. I’m not proud of it, okay? Mai was telling me that I should’ve conversed with him more since we know each other, just so my laptop will be safe and sound. But, the cynical me told myself to not say anything ‘cause that might spark more interest to sneak into my files. *LOL* But, I vowed to be friendlier. Really need to work on my PR skills with strangers. *LOL*
Anyway, they already sent me a text message last Tuesday that my laptop’s already fixed. The total costs is Php 1,700. Even if it was lower than what I was expecting, it was still a big deal for me ‘cause we got a lot of things planned for June. I guess we’re luckier if we don’t plan at all ‘cause this isn’t the first time this happened – that we had unplanned expenses. *sigh*
Last Thursday, we picked up my beloved laptop (as of this paragraph's writing, I decided to name my laptop CherryPaq – 'cause my partner's real name is Cherry and this is a Compaq laptop – get it? *LOL*). We immediately tested it. The person who attended to us was the same lady who had me sign all of the parts of my laptop. She had to look for my power adapter because she didn't know we left it with them. *scratches head*
Cherrypaq went through disk checking when she started up. I waited 'til it booted up completely so I can check the contents. We didn't bother to check the components anymore since they really seem to be a reliable repair shop.
The warranty was only for a month. I just hope we won't have to go to them anymore. We asked them what caused the problem and they said it was due to overuse. Waahh! I use my laptop for blogging, downloading, and designing. It's on more than 12 hours a day so I guess I can't really help it. I don't want to switch to a desktop 'cause I need my laptop's portability. I'll take care of Cherrypaq now, though, more than ever. I promise! *LOL*
Going back to SST Laptop, Mai asked them about the prices of their laptop parts, specifically the hard disk and RAM. They're more expensive than when you buy them in Greenhills or Gilmore. The 1GB Kingston RAM stick we bought from Greenhills only cost us Php 800 (about $18), and SST Laptop is selling a 2GB Kingston RAM stick for Php 3,500 ($78). Way too expensive for us so we're definitely going to buy upgrades/parts somewhere else.
The repair cost was okay. I was expecting it to only cost about Php 1,200-1,500, but I think it's reasonable. Anyway, when I got home, I read a lot of good feedback from other laptop owners like me who brought their computers to SST Laptop for repair. There was just one bad review and that was for their branch in SM North Edsa. Most of them were pretty happy with the repair job by SST Laptop technicians. So, I strongly suggest you bring your laptop to them because, well, they're the laptop repair specialist! (This isn't sponsored, mind you *LOL)
My rating for SST Laptop in SM Mall of Asia:
I gave them 3 stars for customer service because when we first went there, the first woman who attended to us wasn't as accommodating. She was even chit-chatting over the phone before she attended to us.
3 stars for the repair time because it took them 6 days to fix my laptop. I needed my laptop for our business and my online money-making so it would've been better if they shorten the repair time, especially for those who depend on their laptops for their jobs.
3 stars for repair costs because I feel they could afford charging me a little lower for my power adapter and laptop's repair. I gave them 4 stars for their repair services and final rating because I'm pretty satisfied with the repair job they did on my laptop.
If you're planning on buying upgrades or new laptop parts, I strongly suggest you go to Greenhills or Gilmore and buy from there. You'd get the same quality of products at more affordable prices.
If you want your laptops repaired, I highly recommend you bring it to SST Laptop. Take note that this review is only for their branch in SM Mall of Asia. I cannot attest to the services of their other branches.
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