Most computer repair stores can repair either the software on your computer, such as an operating system overrun with a virus, or your computer hardware, such as a keyboard or ‘motherboard’ inside the case of the computer.
, open just three months ago on Mercer Island, can do both, according to owner Eric Nordling. “We’re unique in that our computer repair technicians have two skill sets, so they understand software problems like dealing with a (computer) virus and our techs also understand the electronic workings of computers,” said Nordling. “So if you have a computer with a motherboard that’s not operating, other computer repair places would tell you to buy a new computer. But we have techs who can repair that motherboard and save the computer…it’s rare to have people who understand electronics at that level.”
Nordling and his wife, Rosaleen Presley are partners in owning four Computer-Fix shops, two in Seattle, one on Mercer Island and one the couple opened in Edmonds last week. Though Nordling’s background is in aviation marketing, he grew up repairing and reusing electronic parts with his father, a pioneer in the modem industry. “My dad was an electrical engineer, and he’d bring home circuit boards to salvage where we’d remove parts for reuse,” he said. “So dealing with electronics is normal for me.”
The Nordlings moved to Mercer Island 5 years ago for the schools for their two sons, and decided to buy the A-1 Best Computer business, so named because the former owners wanted it to be first in the phone book. “But after being open for 9 years, people still didn’t know what we did there,” he said. “So we renamed it and thought ‘wouldn’t it be neat to have a corner mechanic close at hand who knows what your problem is and can give new life to your old computer? Our motto is ‘we fix it fast, for less.”
While many computer repair stores charge hundreds and take a minimum of two weeks to fix your laptop, Nordling said that Computer-Fix offers rush repair service that can fix your computer in 24 hours, with standard repair service taking only 2-3 days to diagnose the problem. Standard diagnosis is $49 and rush diagnosis is $99. “We go through the whole machine, top to bottom, and figure out what’s going on,” said Nordling. “Most of our repairs are less than $200, so you save time and money.” And Computer-Fix will repair any type or brand of computer, from Macs to PCs, laptops to desktops. Their technicians can also drive to your home for on-site repair of your hardware or software problems.
When moved from the little building at 1690 76th Ave SE, Nordling offered to help renovate and update the building before Computer-Fix moved in. “We cleaned up the landscaping, painted the interior and exterior, put in a new awning and spent a lot of time and money making it presentable,” Nordling said. “I put (internal) computer parts up on the walls with signs that detail what they are, because I think its helpful for people to see what makes their computer run, and the amazing work our technicians can do to replace and repair parts that are smaller than a grain of rice.”
