I was visiting friends and colleagues in Mobile, Alabama last spring when my computer had a nervous breakdown and decided to go on strike. I knew it was the power supply because this had happened to me before—a simple repair—but my fear was that it might have burned up my motherboard (like before) and I had not backed up my hard drive for several days. I used my host’s laptop to check the Internet and find a repair shop that was (a) close by and (b) fast and affordable. After a few phone calls, I found ACE Computer and Electronics at 6715 E Old Shell Road in Mobile (251-725-1130).
I was greeted by the owner, Hasan Kasem, (a friendly and very professional man) who agreed to repair the system while I waited. He finished up with the customer before me, then listened intently as I explained the problem. He quoted me a very reasonable price, then took my computer in the back for repairs. I asked if I could observe and he graciously agreed. He checked the motherboard right away, and then assured me that it was intact and not to worry.
While he was replacing the power supply, I asked the prices for a new Ethernet card and a second DVD burner. He responded with no hesitation (or excuses like, “wait while I check my list”). I said, “Let’s do it,” and he replaced the power supply, the defective Ethernet card, and added a new DVD burner all in less than 30 minutes.
The total bill for parts and labor was just over $200 and, frankly, I was amazed. As a computer journalist, I write a lot of reviews about software and hardware, so I know what these components cost. His prices for parts and labor were more than fair and the service he provided was not only excellent, he took the time to explain what he was doing and why, and answered every question I threw at him (and he answered them correctly).
Over the past 25 years, I have worked with a lot of vendors, manufacturers, and retailers in the computer and electronics industry and, I am sorry to say, that most of them (on the retail side, especially) were seedy characters who tried to overcharge me for products and services that I didn’t need or even receive (in some cases). One of the Geek Squad boys at Best Buy told me once that the only way to save the data on my hard drive (after my last computer crash) was to let him copy the data onto a new, portable drive (at $160 an hour).
I asked about hard drive enclosures, but he feigned ignorance and said Best Buy did not carry them. This was on New Year’s Day, so my options were limited. The following day I took the hard drive to a small independent shop owner who sold me a hard drive enclosure for $35 (including installation). I have lots of similar stories from overzealous, greedy retailers who have tried to take advantage of me (some succeeded) and defraud me for excess funds.
NOT THE CASE with Mr Hasan Kasem. He was/is fast, fair, efficient, and extremely affordable. He knows the industry, he knows what he’s doing, and he keeps his word; that is, he provides a quote and he honors it. As a professional computer industry journalist, past programmer/analyst, network engineer, and Information Technology professor, I give ACE Computer and Electronics in Mobile, Alabama FIVE (5) gold stars. In addition, I would recommend this company to any/every individual struggling with electronics or personal computer issues.
And, in case you’re wondering: no, I was not compensated by anyone for writing this review. I believe that good, fair companies deserve to be recognized and awarded for their work. Good luck Hasan.
