How It Works
The $50 Diagnostic Fee, Explained
Every broken tech job starts with a diagnosis. Here's exactly how the fee works so there are no surprises.
If You Proceed with the Repair
The $50 diagnostic fee counts toward your total. So if the repair comes to $75, you only owe $25 more — you already paid the $50. You're not charged twice.
If You Decide Not to Repair
The $50 covers my time to diagnose the problem and give you an honest assessment. If the repair isn't worth doing, I'll tell you that — but the diagnostic fee still applies.
I will always give you an honest read on whether a repair is worth doing before any work begins. If it doesn't make financial sense to fix, I'll say so upfront.
Scope of Work
Devices I Repair
Broken tech comes in a lot of shapes. Here's what I work on — and since broken can mean hardware, software, or both, don't hesitate to describe your situation and ask.
Laptops, Desktops & Chromebooks
Won't turn on, runs but acts broken, suffered physical damage, liquid damage, or just stopped working one day for no obvious reason. Windows, Linux and ChromeOS machines. No Apple hardware.
Gaming Consoles
PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Wii, Wii U, GameCube, N64 and other consoles. Dead units, disc drive failures, overheating, power issues and more. See the Gaming Console Repair page for the full breakdown.
Handheld Gaming Devices & Retro Hardware
Nintendo Switch Lite, Steam Deck, Game Boy, older Nintendo handhelds and retro odds and ends like cartridge battery replacements and contact cleaning. If it's handheld and broken, ask me.
Printers
Paper jams, dead power boards, connectivity issues, won't print at all — I've diagnosed and repaired a range of printer problems. Printer repairs can be done as a drop-off or handled during an on-site visit if it's easier for you to have me come to you.
Common Issues
What "Broken" Can Mean
Broken tech isn't always a cracked screen or a dead device. Here are the kinds of issues that fall under this service.
Won't Power On
No lights, no response, completely dead. Could be a power supply issue, a failed component, or something software-related. Diagnosis tells us which.
Powers On But Acts Wrong
Boots to an error, freezes constantly, randomly shuts off, or just behaves strangely. Could be hardware, could be software — I'll find out.
Liquid Damage
Spilled something on it? The sooner you bring it in the better. I'll assess what's salvageable and give you an honest answer on whether repair is worth pursuing.
Physical Damage
Dropped, stepped on, something snapped off. Depending on what broke, there may be a solid repair path — or I'll tell you if there isn't.
Overheating or Loud Fans
Running hot, fans screaming, shutting itself down under load. Usually dust buildup or dried-out thermal paste — both very fixable.
Broken Components
Keyboard keys, charging ports, fans, broken hinges and other internal hardware. If a part failed, I'll assess whether it can be replaced and what it would cost.
Software-Caused Failures
A bad update, corrupted OS, or software conflict that's left the device unusable. Sometimes what looks like a hardware failure is a software problem with a clean fix.
Storage Failures
Hard drive or SSD failing, making noise, or not being detected. I can assess the drive, attempt data recovery where possible, and replace it if needed.
Honest Limitations
What I Don't Repair
I'd rather tell you upfront than waste your time. Here's what's outside my scope.
Apple Hardware
MacBooks, iMacs, Mac Minis and all other Apple hardware are outside my scope entirely. For Apple hardware repairs, Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider is the right call. I do support macOS software.
Phones & Tablets
Phone and tablet hardware repairs require specialized heat tools and equipment I don't currently have. Software issues on Android devices are fine — but physical repairs on phones and tablets are not something I take on yet.
Complex Board-Level Soldering
I can handle straightforward soldering. What I don't do is microscope-level motherboard work like replacing USB or HDMI ports directly on the board — that requires specialized equipment I don't have.
Before You Repair
Is It Worth Fixing?
I will always give you an honest answer on this. Not every repair makes financial sense and I would rather tell you that upfront than take your money for something that isn't worth it.
Generally Worth Fixing
If the repair cost is roughly a third or less of what the device costs new, it usually makes sense to fix it. You get your familiar device back, your data stays intact, and you save money compared to buying new.
Probably Not Worth It
If the repair cost is approaching half or more of what the device costs new, it's usually smarter to put that money toward a replacement instead. I'll always tell you this honestly before any work begins.
Not Sure If I Can Help? Just Ask.
Broken tech doesn't always fit neatly into a category. If you've got something dead or damaged and you're not sure whether it's fixable, describe what you have and what happened. I'll give you a straight answer on whether it's worth bringing in.
Got Something Broken?
Tell me what you have and what's going on. I'll diagnose it, give you an honest quote, and let you know if it's worth fixing.