Rated 4.52 / 5 from 31 reviews
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Absolute Computers Based in Cary, NC, Absolute Computers has been providing consumers, small businesses, police and fire departments and educational institutions with laptop and computer repairs, virus removal, Internet and network solutions since 1998. We have repaired tens of thousands of systems and enjoy providing solutions. We are a small local business that employs skilled technicians with years of experience. We hope you will give us a chance to help you.

We do repairs for customers nationwide, so you can ship us your computer or drop it off at our local repair facility in Cary, NC. We do all types of repairs from virus removal to fixing broken LCD screens. See the our list of services here: Laptop, Desktop and Tablet Repair. We offer some types of services that can save significantly over the normal method. For example, we do laptop Power Jack repairs instead of replacing the entire motherboard.

We handle all types of computers from Apple to Toshiba. We handle desktops, laptops, netbooks and tablets. Due to the large number used in the community, we are especially known for our Lenovo / IBM Thinkpad repairs. Literally thousands of ThinkPad laptops have passed through our doors.
Highlights and features
  • Laptop Repair, Computer Repair & Maintenance, Data Backup & Recovery, Tablet Repair, Virus & Spyware Removal
Services
Laptop Repair
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Laptop Repair We offer laptop repair and service to the RDU Triangle and nationwide for home users, businesses and computer resellers. We have the equipment and the experience to diagnose any problem accurately. An experienced, certified technician will do all of the work on your laptop. We offer reasonable pricing and will return your laptop as quickly as possible. We keep many parts in stock to allow for rapid turnaround of your repair.
Tablets
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Tablets We are now offering repair services on Apple iPad and Android tablets! As always, we provide free diagnostics. Once we review your tablet and the problem you are having, we can provide you with a quote on getting the issue resolved. The most common problem with an iPad or Android tablet is a cracked screen or broken glass. Touch screens have two layers of glass that make up the display.
Data Backup & Recovery
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Data Backup & Recovery We provide data recovery services to Raleigh, Cary, surrounding areas and nationwide. We recover data from Linux, Unix, Microsoft and Macintosh operating systems. Our initial evaluation is completely free. We will check out your drive and give you a quote on recovery options. Even if someone else has told you your data is gone, there is still a chance we can recover the data using the latest software recovery tools.

If you do not have anything to put your data on to, we do offer flash drives and external hard drives. Not all drives are recoverable, but we will be happy to help if we can.
Used Laptops & Desktops
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Used Laptops & Desktops Looking for an affordable used or refurbished laptop computer? What about a used or refurbished desktop computer? We have them for sale here. Not sure what you need? Tell us what you want to use a computer for, and if we have something that meets your needs, we will recommend it. If we do not, we will point you in the right direction. We sell to the general public and also handle quantity requests from businesses and government agencies. We have been selling refurbished ThinkPad laptops on a regular basis since 2002.
Reviews (31)
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Danielle
Aug 10, 2022
I sent my Mac laptop to this company because the mouse trackpad had stopped working, and I was really impressed with the speed and quality of their service. The owner got back to me the same afternoon that the package arrived at their office and told me the results of the (free) diagnostic and an estimate of how much it would cost to fix, which was extremely reasonable.

He let me know how long it would take to get replacement parts ordered, and they had everything fixed and on the way back to me by the day after that (and then it arrived the next day). The owner and employees definitely know their stuff and are very friendly and helpful.
Sam
Aug 10, 2022
Outstanding service and support! We took our laptop many places and nobody could fix it. One day I stopped in at Absolute Computers and a few days later, my laptop was fixed for a fraction of the price it would have cost to buy a new one. While I was there, I saw a great deal on a laptop that I went back and picked up for my wife. I would recommend them to all my friends and family.
Junlan Lu
Jun 17, 2022
The guy was great and really nice. My PC had an issue that it won't post and the employee was able to help me narrow down a list of potential issues. He was respectful and didn't charge me for his time of diagnosing. If I need anything in the future, I will definitely go here for help!
Vickiswank Gmail Com Swank
May 22, 2022
Excellent service! I am amazed at how much faster my computer works. I will definitely go to them for all my computer needs.
Nick De Silvia
Feb 09, 2022
This is the 2nd time they have helped me out. The 1st time was with a 4 year old laptop that crashed on me 2+ yrs ago and they were able to salvage so I could pull out all my files (and which still works today btw!. it's just slow and outdated). So when my new laptop was having wireless driver issues I headed back there. They had since moved from the shopping complex where they had been to a house on Holt Rd, and I am just as pleased as my 1st visit. Gave me good options of things to try and luckily problem was resolved on 1st try. Would def recommend coming back here when needed for any computer issues. Thanks for being there.
Nathalie Alvarez
Jan 27, 2022
I just landed from NY and needed to fix my macbook while I was staying here. I was nervous to not be able to find anyone after visiting 5 different shops and calling multiple places. Even Best Buy and the Apple Store couldn't help me. I called and got a response and an appointment within 10 minutes. Josh was super helpful and a great multitasker. He was able to diagnose the problem and assist someone on the phone. Great customer service and fast service. My MacBook was in awful condition but Josh helped me save money and leave with a working MacBook. Really great guy
Mariel Swiggard
Jan 23, 2022
Old Review: Can't say enough positive about them. Phil went above and beyond. They saved data from a destroyed HD, gave me advice on the right machine to replace, and gave me great set-up advice, walked me through everything, and never got impatient with my questions. New Review: I sincerely question the honesty of our last interaction, . At this point, I would not go back.

The owner was openly rude to me, and while acknowledging what he'd done was his mistake - he also made it MY mistake that I hadn't read his mind to see that he'd made this error. It was truly weird.
Beverly H.
Nov 23, 2021
I dropped my Mac Book Pro. Josh had it up and going within 30 minutes of me calling him to make an appointment for him to look at it. I won't go anywhere else for computer repair!
Will F.
Sep 14, 2021
Josh was very helpful. Went in after a bad experience at another repair shop. He was very honest and gave me a few options. He ended up doing a quick fix and did not even charge me! Definitely recommend!
Helena S.
Sep 10, 2021
I took my sons computer to be diagnosed and fixed and was blown away by how helpful they were. He quickly identified the problem and explained the fix. He said to my son he could probably fix it himself and provided 2 YouTube links which show you how to fix it. I found his honesty very refreshing. Afterwards my son remarked that he exemplified the type of people we were hoping to meet in North Carolina! We will definitely go there again and highly recommend the team.
Mike G.
Jun 29, 2021
I needed a key replaced on my computer keyboard and they responded quickly. Once the part arrived from delivery, the repairs took about 5 minutes. Very responsive and efficient!
Brian Dunn
May 22, 2021
Terrific! I've done quite a few laptop component upgrades and repairs myself over the years, but recently ran into an unusual hardware problem. I needed help from someone that really knows hardware like the back of their hand. Though my problem was of an unusual nature, Phil quickly gave me several alternatives and then fixed it for me right there on the spot. I wouldn't hesitate to go there again.
Jacquelyn Manson
Jan 10, 2021
New: I brought the same computer in for repair thinking it is old and may need to be replaced. Josh talked with me about some options and the problem I'm been dealing with is solved. My computer is running faster now than ever. Josh was great. I'm upgrading from a 4 to a 5-star. Thanks for the help. PS: It didn't take long either - only about 2-3 days.

Other places were telling me I would be without my computer for 2 weeks. I recently brought in my laptop for a minor issue to Absolute Computers. The staff was very friendly and solved the problem in a timely manner for a good price. They are very knowledgeable and gave me a couple of options on how to get my computer running better. I would recommend them if you are looking for a computer repair company. Update: The owner called and listened to what happened and helped to resolve the issues.

I do have to say that the employees were very nice throughout the entire process. I just think there were some communication issues that are being resolved through a streamlining process. Do to the follow up from the owner, I increased my review to 4 stars. I brought my computer back to transfer data from one computer to another. Instructions were not followed and it took 6 days to get my computer back even though I paid for them to expedite the process. Found out they didn't transfer some of what they were instructed to do. I hate to lower my rating from the original 5 stars to 3, but I was not impressed with the service.
C. D.
Dec 26, 2020
The owner (I'm assuming) made me very uncomfortable and unsafe. He argued with me after he put a part in after I told him not to. He also made fun of my parents after I told him they wouldn't pay for a new computer for me. Super weird and I will not be going back. Please DO NOT go here, especially if you're young.
Joanna C.
Aug 07, 2020
I was so lucky to have heard a great recommendation of this business and decided to go there with my essential to life and suddenly not working laptop. I had no appointment and these days getting seen anywhere is impossible, but Phil the owner was amazing and gave us safely distanced space in his cool world of machines and parts while he tended a longtime customer's needs swiftly and professionally, much to her satisfaction.

Hearing her mention that she had been with him and her level of trust was another good sign. My son and I both had laptops we needed for work and both had precious photos and documents, totally walked into the right place, and at the perfect time. After taking our information he and his young assistant actually went right into diagnosis mode and we were totally impressed with the thoroughness and knowledge as well as real explanation with no BS, it was amazing to be with such an intelligent technician who is also a culturally aware and savvy business person. it was a pleasure to see mentorship in action too, witnessing the young men in the shop given plenty of responsibility and opportunities to use their skills.

My laptop was made better than new with the choices of parts I was offered to replace what was toast and when I returned to pick it up it was fast and fabulous with fresh installs of EVERYTHING I needed. Phil even ordered something I wanted badly that I'll go back for next week but for now, my laptop is singing! My son found out some hard news that his laptop had a serious problem and I have to say the honesty and information that was shared was high value. This was the best experience I have ever had with computers and it's not my first rodeo. This is the real deal. Absolutely.
Linda D.
Jul 11, 2020
Absolute-ly WONDERFUL! Fast, professional, affordable, sensible. My son's brand new college computer was not performing to the standard we felt was acceptable. The owner and staff diagnosed and took care of it quickly. I mentioned problems with a home computer, brand new and issued, they gave tips. Will visit again. A++++++++ Thank you!
Rebecca H.
Jul 02, 2020
My daughter's MacBook started overheating and making a horrible noise yesterday. With Apple being closed and Geek Squad with a 2 week delay, we found Absolute Computers. Called and he said we could stop by today. Took it in, they were able to clean it up and get it working properly and sent us on our way. Awesome service and team! PS, he is a jokester so probably not the best place if you're easily offended.
Dana D.
Jun 26, 2020
The man that runs this place is the one who helped me today. I went in to ask a simple computer repair question. This unprofessional man called my child stupid and then said he was just joking. He refused to talk to me because I was not young. He was an arrogant ass and I will never go into this so-called business ever again.
Bill Ferriter
Nov 10, 2019
I was super impressed by my recent experience with Phil at Absolute Computers. I had an old laptop that I wanted to bring back to life, but it needed an operating system to be installed and other general "tune ups" after having sat in a cabinet for the past four years. Phil met me at his store -- he's open by appointment only due to Covid-19. He then worked with me personally to get my machine up and running in about an hour.

His rate was more than reasonable, given that I have a working computer now! I will definitely be using him again in the future -- and I'd recommend him to anyone who has a computer that you want fixed because you aren't ready to replace it yet. There aren't a ton of people who are doing that work right now -- let alone doing it well!
Maureen S.
Oct 11, 2019
I ordered a laptop battery through Absolute Computers on September 3. Although I was charged immediately, there was no sense of urgency in ordering battery or following up on receipt. Yesterday after waiting five weeks and calling multiple times, I filed a credit card dispute on the unreceived battery. Within 15 minutes I received a call that the battery was in and available to install anytime.

I was assured I didn't need an appointment for install, just come by during store hours. I arrived today at 3:30pm, well before 6pm close and the door is locked. I've called the store number and the "if the door is locked, number" with no answer or call back. Don't waste your time!
Joe D.
Feb 15, 2019
For years, now, this computer store has been my go to place, one stop shop, for computer purchases and repairs. Originally, I lived close to this store but have since moved. Regardless, I still find myself returning because I know it's where I will end up eventually anyways.
Grover P.
Jun 10, 2018
I was distressed to notice one day a small tear in the covering of the screen on my Dell laptop. I just KNEW that this would mean replacing the entire screen -- and at what cost? I could still work on the laptop, but the tear bothered me every time I sat down to do anything. So I researched "Computer Repair" on Yelp, and found that everyone who wrote about Absolute Computers simply raved about their work, their service, their expertise, their customer attention, etc.

So I went. I first spoke to a young man, who was quite knowledgeable, and after inspecting the tear, he said they'd have to order an entire new display unit. When I asked "how much?" he turned to the man working with a customer across the shop. When he was free, he asked me to show him the problem. His examination was clearly thorough, but it didn't take him long to tell his assistant to bring him his bottle of Windex.

He scrubbed over the "tear" for a minute or so -- and it completely came off! Clearly, something had affixed itself to the screen at one time when I closed the laptop. I asked him "how much?" and he looked at me like I was crazy. This shop and its people are amazing. My laptop is a somewhat older machine, and I want to get it in tip-top shape. I had a 5-to-10 minute chat with them, and they presented several specific remedies, gave me alternatives, and made the costs quite plain (and I was surprised at how reasonable they were). After my experience with Absolute Computers, I won't trust it my laptop anyone else!
Ralf H.
Mar 16, 2018
This place is excellent. They provide good feedback and give you a detailed assessment of what the problem might be. If the repair isn't worth it, they will let you know as well. It doesn't get much better than this.
Amanda H.
Mar 25, 2017
Absolute Computers, Phil & Cullen saved my life. After going to Best Buy frantically trying to recover my life from my tablet, and getting absolutely no where, my friend told me about Absolute. Not only were they able to save everything I needed, but they had amazing prices and even better customer service. I went from walking in just about to cry, to leaving with a huge smile on my face. I cannot thank them enough and would highly recommend ANYONE who is having laptop/tablet/technology issues to go straight to them.
Marc S.
Jan 30, 2017
Mike rescued my laptop from the dead. I had spilled a glass of water on it, and it would not start even after trying the rice trick. I had just hoped that he could salvage something from the HD. I was extremely pleased at the service. Not only did they perform a miracle, they could have easily charged me for an expensive repair (keyboard or motherboard) that I didn't need. They saved my computer and saved me a bundle of cash. I trust these guys!
Barbara B.
Aug 19, 2016
Having been in the computer industry for 20 years, I understand computers and customer service. Absolute Computers was outstanding in both areas. I had a Toshiba laptop die which they repaired. I also purchased a desk top from them. I am happy with both. The fact that they do a diagnosis for free and are upfront about a cost to repair is a real plus.

They are not condescending as some computer techs are. They kept me informed as to their progress. I am thrilled to have a team behind me in keeping my computers up and running.
Tianzhi C.
Sep 18, 2015
I came here for my ssd boot drive, later revealed to be faulty. They are very friendly even ask me to go to bestbuy grab windows 10 for clean install of the pic, they even fix my case panel bent problem, definitely will come back.
Mario G.
Jul 23, 2015
Theses folks are the best. I had situation in which the pc would not boot and was likely a bad drive issue. I spoke with DJ on Saturday to discuss possible repair and fix options. Of course, a diagnostic test needed to be done to be certain, but obtained immediate advice for what not to due in haste - eg, use a recovery disk, etc. Next, I met Greg at 9am Monday.

I had some additional questions which he patiently handled. Bob called me Monday afternoon to provide details of the issue. Briefly, a new hard drive and recovery of data on old machine. But, I also learned a lot about back up and recovery options. I had been using Ghost by Semantec with the belief that the entire image can be restored. What I learned is that this is theoretically possible but not practical. So, Bob walked me through other backup options and their implications.

After I got home, I could not locate my major documents. Why? Because the hierarchy was so complex. No problem - I called Greg and through a remote log in to my pc, the issue was resolved. Actually, it was not completely resolved yet - again, due to some oversight on my part. Called back to get Greg, but he was busy. Ben said he would to help. And he did address my issue and also patiently answered more follow-up questions. The net is that these folks are experts and perhaps more important, their service and patience are great. Mario G
Lynn S.
Dec 15, 2014
I took my 3 year-old Asus laptop to Absolute for diagnosis after a short in a hotel room lamp made it impossible to charge the battery. Right on schedule, Greg called me to tell me that the problem was in the motherboard. After discussing the estimated cost of repair, which was on the mark, he recommended that against it. I was floored by his honest analysis and the courtesy he showed me.

When I went by to pick up the computer, I was even more impressed with how willing Greg was to answer questions about software issues I had been having with another computer. I was especially pleased, since it was clear I was not about to become a paying customer, at least for the time being. Needless to say, I am a fan. I would recommend Absolute absolutely to anyone looking for excellent service and a comfortably "geeky" experience.
Jesse W.
Jul 26, 2014
I went to Absolute to check out some things after a lunch meeting with some potential Wojdylo Social Media partners. One of the partners introduced me to Absolute Computers and I am glad he did. This is a great computer store if you are looking for laptop or computer repair. If you do not want to pay the high prices of the Apple Store or some of the other manufacturer stores I would strongly suggest giving Absolute Computers a call. With the construction going on in Cary you might have to take some back roads to get to this location but it will be well worth your trip.
Danielle T.
Nov 26, 2012
I sent my Mac laptop to this company because the mouse trackpad had stopped working, and I was really impressed with the speed and quality of their service. The owner got back to me the same afternoon that the package arrived at their office and told me the results of the (free) diagnostic and an estimate of how much it would cost to fix, which was extremely reasonable.

He let me know how long it would take to get replacement parts ordered, and they had everything fixed and on the way back to me by the day after that (and then it arrived the next day).