Maanta Computers in kensington-chinatown | Best Phone, Laptop, and Computer Repair Services at Affordable Prices | Quick Fixes

Greetings everyone.

It’s 12:18am on December 18th 2022 and I felt beyond compelled to write this review related to Maanta Computers.

This is going to cover the experience in its entirety. Listen closely.

There have been many times over the years that I have passed by this business and not stopped to go in, as I did not have a reason to do so.

Recently, while cleaning my home I came across a laptop that I used while assigned to a project with work. ( a work laptop). Due to the fact that it had been many years since it had been forgotten and the business no longer existed, I decided to find a computer business to have it assessed and updated.

I decided to intentionally do business with a local black owned small business. Just as a way to show support for local business vs bigger business store.

I called Maanta originally on December 8th 2022 and spoke to the owner Ali. I explained that I had this lenovo laptop that was in great condition. It was a i7core gen 3 windows 7Pro. Absolutely nothing wrong with it except the following:

1. Red screen stating admin locked needed to be removed.
2. Asked if I could update windows 7 to windows 10.
3. Anything else he suggested.

Ali says to me and I quote, ” yes, I can take care of that bring it in, will cost you 60 to 70 dollars”.

Fast forward to Thursday December 15th 2022.

I brought the laptop into Maanta Computers.

While there we once again discuss what would be done. I remind him once again about what I stated above. Ali says, “oh don’t worry, I have had people with the same issues before.”

“I will put anti virus protection on, reset the laptop, upgrade to Windows 10 and put Microsoft applications. Don’t worry.”

I asked him if I could wait, ( it was around 2pm and he closed at 7pm) he says “oh no, I will call you when it is ready for pickup. I will need to contact Microsoft and purchase a product key, so it will take some time.”

Later on that same day before closing, apparently Ali says he had called me to let me know he had finished and was willing to drop off to me. You all recall he stated it would take some time…

I missed that call and went to pick up the next day on Friday December the 16th 2022.

When I arrived, I asked him to go over once again all that he had done… He once again repeated all we discussed above.

He charged me $145.00. After contacting 2 other repair shops due to feeling something was not right… I was informed he ripped me off.

I got home and immediately upon turning on my laptop, a message appeared in the lower right corner about windows not activated. My blood began to boil because I knew something was wrong.

Upon looking further to confirm windows activation, it stated that windows version on computer was not authentic. I was also warned about the windows 7 old applications he put on, knowing they were no longer updated and would cause viruses and expose me to hackers. Can you believe this?

Turns out this man LIED to my face, used a generic product key that would potentially continuously stop working, added old apps instead of Microsoft 365, removed the sticker off the back of the laptop then acted like he had no idea why it was gone ( thank goodness I took before pictures)… then proceeded to overcharge me 145.00.

When I immediately confronted him about this via text message, his response was “call me”. I replied, I’m on my way back to the store.

The BIGGEST mistake I made was forgetting to get him to write down everything he did along with receipt.

When I returned, his demeanor changed and I was dealing with unwarranted attitude and an offended undertone. I kept calm the entire time just taking in what was occuring. I could not believe it.

Ali denied ever saying he would be purchasing a product key. He kept stuttering over his words mumbling about using a generic key.. I was frozen in shock that this man was looking me dead in the eye and boldly lying to my face. AND on top of that giving off attitude and being irritated. Not even a partial refund. I will be contacting the police. AVOID THIS BUSINESS!!!!

Good evening.

This is an important message about Maanta Computers, a FedEx authorized agent.

Facts are:

1) My FedEx package was set to be picked up at Maanta Computers, a FedEx authorized agent.

2) According to FedEx online tracker and FedEx call center managers, my package is currently with Maanta Computers awaiting pickup with signature (arrived on December 27, 2022 at 12:08EST as per FedEx). Set to remain there for 5 business days.

3) I went to the store to collect my package and spoke to Ali, the owner of Maanta Computers. My visit to Maanta Computers took place on December 27th, 2022 at 1:15pm, approximately 1h after FedEx confirmed having dropped-off my package with Maanta Computers (confirmed via FedEx online tracker and FedEx call centre managers).

4) Ali explained he/Maanta Computers did not have my package and that FedEx never delivered to Maanta Computers. After back and forth discussion and explaining to Ali that FedEx confirmed having delivered the package to Maanta Computers (I showed Ali confirmation on FedEx website), Ali changed his story and now said that FedEx did bring my package to Maanta Computers.

5) Again, I asked Ali where my package was – he now said he gave my package to someone else. I asked Ali how this was possible because no one signed for this package and that I am the only person with the correct ID to pickup this package – Ali then became very confrontational, aggressive and refused to speak to me.

6) I left the store and immediately contacted FedEx. FedEx opened an investigation with Maanta Computers and Ali.

7) FedEx contacted Maanta Computers and spoke with Ali Upon speaking with FedEx, Ali was not able to verify where my package was, who picked it up, why signature was not obtained.

8) Package remains missing/lost/stolen with Ali, owner of Maanta Computers.

Thank you,

Ali from from Maanta computers was really rude to my female collegue, an expert in the field, when we found out we were missing a hardrive. We’ve had to return the computer 3 times before and now have to return it again, because everytime we receive it back, something is wrong. Be weary of this place, unless you know what you’re doing.