[Villages Kahuna]

I experienced a failure of my SSD drive on my Mac this week. It was way too far to drive to the Apple Stores in Orlando, then wait. So I looked around The Villages.

I recalled driving by a computer repair shop on 441, east side about 300-feet south of 466, so first I called and then visited. They open early on weekdays, 8AM, answered promptly, and provided a knowledgeable response. Even though Mac repairs are hard to find, I brought my computer in.

MMD Computer Center
109 U.S. 441
Lady Lake
(352) 750-3707

Wow, what a great shop! Well staffed, well lighted, clean as a whistle, well stocked with accessories. They quickly confirmed my problem, actually suggested a minor additional repair, and provided a printed estimate. That was at 9:30AM.

Surprisingly, I got a call at 1:30PM—my computer was repaired and ready for pick up! They suggested I bring my backup external hard drive in so they could reload all my apps and files on the new SSD at no additional charge!

On arrival the technician took me back to the spotless repair area and ran the machine thru tests, then carried it out to my car. The cost was as estimated. I had already checked parts costs on line—they had used Apple or top quality parts—and their labor charges were very reasonable!

I can’t recommend MMD Computer Center more highly. Don’t hesitate visiting them for your computer repairs or services!

[Jim 9922]

I agree 100%. They have been our go to computer place for years. Past threads on this site have all been positive about their service, turnaround speed, fairness of price, and honesty.

[Stu from NYC]

We have been there twice and great service at a reasonable cost

[raynan]

They are our go to place also. Wonderful service.

[2newyorkers]

They will also go to your home if you are having issues with your TV, remote, cable, etc.

[MartinSE]

Did you get the failed ssd back?

They sound good, while I do all my own maintenance on Apple products, but I understand not everyone does.

The HD or SSD is a very sensitive thing to let others have access to. If you have not done so, I HIGHLY recommend several steps at this point. (This is NOT intended to say the store you went to is in any way dishonest!)

1. Change all sensitive passwords now - bank, online services that have billing information, etc.

2. If not already, turn on FileVault. That is encryption that will protect your sensitive data should your computer ever be stolen or the SSD replaced again.

3. Change the login password for your comptuer.

4. Change your Apple ID password.

Just my recommendations.

[buzzy]

Good grief. What goes wrong with an SSD? I thought they were failure-proof because of no moving parts.

[GrumpyOldMan]

Originally Posted by buzzy

Good grief. What goes wrong with an SSD? I thought they were failure-proof because of no moving parts.

they do die eventually. Some die sooner. They are electronic and subject to numerous faults. they are more reliable than spinning media, but you should always backup.

[Nucky]

Great post. I’d rather stay local when I need help. Altamonte is a rough ride. Thank You Kahuna.

[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by GrumpyOldMan

they do die eventually. Some die sooner. They are electronic and subject to numerous faults. they are more reliable than spinning media, but you should always backup.

Did someone accidentally log in under a different User Name?

[MartinSE]

Originally Posted by JMintzer

Did someone accidentally log in under a different User Name?

That is pretty weird - LOL! I just noticed it. I could not have logged into that account. I DON'T log in here. I let me system do that, I have it automated (I hate logins)... Hmmm...

EDIT: I am going to have to figure out how that happened. I was on a "vacation" a long time ago, and when I came back I could not use that account. I tried a few times and gave up. Then after a while I decided just to create a new account, this one. I seriously have no idea HOW that account popped back up for one or two posts. I would prefer to go back to using it.

[thevillages2013]

Originally Posted by JMintzer

Did someone accidentally log in under a different User Name?

Woopsie. Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive

[rsmurano]

If you use SSD’s wrong, they will fail sooner than a hard drive. I worked at Seagate as a solid state device I worked at Seagate specialist working with large enterprises implementing SSDs and nvme technologies. The SSD’s in our computers are the cheaper SSD’s that don’t have the features or costs that enterprise SSD’s have.
Always backup your computer to a hard drive.
If you have a Mac, turn on FileVault and backup your computer with encryption.
Always ask for your hard disk or ssd back from the repair company then bring it home and smash it up with a hammer.
Also, for any important files with confidential info like tax returns or a file you keep with all passwords/tax info/tsa info/etc, always password protect them with a long password with multiple special characters.

[wsachs]

A few years ago I had to have a new screen installed on my iMac. After talking to Apple support, they offered to have it replaced at my home in TV as I was more than 50 miles from a nearest Apple store. An authorized Apple repair person who covers my part of FL came to my home in Lynnhaven (at the time), replaced the screen, did some tests to make sure it was repaired correctly, all while I watched. Didn't have to give him any info as I was there to log in, etc. Used Apple parts. Very please with the service, as it was still under Apple Care.

[Luggage]

Amazing that out of the bubble there is plenty of stores that do plenty of things for plenty of people.