Recently, we ran a blog titled Top 10 Tech Gadgets to Help Students in Class. It could have equally been titled, Top 10 Tech Gadgets to Help People in Life. Here’s the thing about tech gadgets – they break, malfunction, develop glitches, or – dare we say – “sometimes they get temperamental.” Personification of technological gadgets may seem extreme but when you know nothing about computers, and your laptop “sometimes turns on and sometimes doesn’t”, your only solution is to call a computer repair technician. For people who think HTML is a shortened form of Hotmail, remote computer repair services seem magical and the technicians achieve god-like status. But what about when remote computer repair doesn’t do the trick?
There are situations in which local computer repair services are necessary, which is why it’s important for people to understand the pros and cons of remote computer repair services.
The Pros and Cons of Remote Computer Repair Services
Understanding the pros and cons of remote computer repair services will help you know who to call when. The choice to use a remote computer repair technician depends on a couple of factors, such as whether or not you have internet access or power to your computer. Remote repairs are usually faster, cheaper, and are available 24/7, all of which can be major advantages. Then again, maybe you just feel more comfortable meeting a real life human as they work on your gadget in your home or office.
Let’s take a look at the Pros and Cons of remote computer repair services.
The Pros of Remote Computer Repair Services
- Cost: For many people, it all comes down to cost. Since remote repair services don’t require gas, office expenses, etc., they can be incredibly affordable. Taking your computer to a repair shop is similar to taking your car to a garage, there is usually a base labor charge for the diagnosis and repair fees are tacked on to that. Traditional computer repair services can run an average minimum of $100. On the other side of the coin you have über-affordable remote computer repairs which often include free diagnosis and repairs start for as little as $25. That’s a huge cost difference.
- Convenience. Because the services are remote, and many companies offer their services from around the globe, you can have your computer issues fixed 24/7 and 7-days a week. This can be critical for those of us who work freelance jobs or do our most productive work in the wee hours. Waiting for a local computer repair technician to come over, or open up shop, can cost money, time, and a great deal of angst.
- Convenience. Is your house a mess? Do you loathe talking on the phone? Don’t have time for idle chit-chat? Then remote computer repair services are right up your alley. You can usually chat online if you prefer that to phone calls, and your dirty dishes and/or reserved demeanor won’t even be noticed. Remote service is all about working around your needs.
The Cons of Remote Computer Repair Services
- No Power? If your computer or gadget just won’t fire up in the first place, it’s difficult for a remote technician to help. Granted, they may be able to talk you through a few problem solving ideas, or suggest some DIY fixes, but at the end of the day, you might be spending money on trial-and-error solutions that result in unnecessary money spent. It might be better to have a “real person” take a look and fix it right the first time.
- No Internet Service? Since this means the remote techs can’t access your computer, you may be able to use your smartphone or other internet-device (unless your issue is internet-related) to do some trial-and-error work via tech support chats. However, you are better off having someone come and take a look.
- The Security of the People Connection. Some of us just prefer connections with real people. Sometimes, people worry that allowing remote technicians in once means their computer is vulnerable to future and unsolicited intrusions, or that identity/privacy issues will be violated. If this is a concern, then you might want to forgo the use of remote computer help and hire an in-person computer tech for your computer issues.
Now that more people are receiving certifications and/or degrees as computer repair technicians, there is a good chance you will be able to find a local computer tech who offers both remote and in-person computer repair and you can benefit from the best of both worlds.
Who do you call when you have computer repair issues? What do you feel are the pros and cons of remote computer repair services? If you have a moment, tell us which computer repair service you prefer and why?