Smartie Computers
Circa 2012

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Our goal at Smartie Computers is to provide great services at the most affordable prices around. Its as simple as that.

Minnesota's #1 rated computer repair company!

We can fix just about anything. It doesn't matter where you bought it or if it's a Mac or a PC. We've got you covered!

Fastest Turn around

Our turn around time is 1 to 3 days for most repairs, in some cases machines can be fixed and repaired same day. We don't ship your computer to some mass repair center like the big box stores do, we do it in house with highly trained staff. Our staff is only limited to working on few machines at a time, this ensures your computer is not only done fast but also done right the first time.

Highest customer satisfaction rate in Minnesota

Rest assured that our customers satisfaction rate is 98.9% We do everything we can to make our customers happy, because for us your not just another computer to be repaired, we want to make you a customer for life! We don't repair computers; we create relationships with customers. We Focus on you and our quality, and we have been rated the best at what we do. Just read some of the reviews at the top of our website and see for yourself.

24/7 support in the United States

We provide 24/7 support and we keep our service lines open 24/7 because your computer only breaks after normal business hours, you can call anytime day or night and get a real live person from the United States. You can also chat with a live representative online 24/7, click here (Get Help Now) to start talking with a representative today!

Need a new computer?

We have our own private brand of computers, Smartie PCs or SPC for sort. We build the highest quality computers around, using only the best components around! We wouldn't back our computers with a 3 year standard hardware warranty and a LIFETIME technical support warranty on hardware, if we didn't think our computers weren't rock solid! We don't build you the cheapest thing we can put together and sell it to you. We build quality systems! See our line up of desktops, workstations, gaming pcs, laptops, and servers. ;

 

About Us

Smartie Computers, LLC was started in fall of 2008 by Alan Pinnt a local Hastings, Minnesota resident. The first store was started in Hastings, Minnesota that same year. The idea of Smartie Computers came to Alan because he saw many other companies come up, but not provide half the service they promised and provided minimum services. Smartie Computers was started to provide a full service IT company with everything from computer repair, network monitoring, web design, even web hosting. Smartie Computers is one of the very few companies in the world that has a in house data center along side computer repair and web design all under one roof.

Since the beginning, Smartie Computers' goal was to provide the highest of quality service at the most affordable price. With some of our patent pending tools we use to increase turn around time we are lucky enough to have the fastest turn around time for any computer repair company in Minnesota. With a proven record in computer repair, Smartie Computers plans to grow further in web design, web hosting, and many new services being added weekly!

Company Profile

Smartie Computers is a local computer repair and sales company providing thousands of customers with high quality, fast turn around, and high availablity service and support. Above all Smartie Computers goal is to provide the highest quality support and repairs at the most affordable price.

Innovation has been the key building block for Smartie Computers growth, developing many applications for internal use and for public use. Smartie Computers, was one of the first companies to allow customers to completely track the status of their computer repair through out its entire repair process. Another key innovation was the automated express repair program, helping techinicans repair common issues with out typing in commands. Smartie Computers, is continually working on new ideas and methods for improving the repair and support process.

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Home Services

• Home Services
• Desktop Repair
• Laptop Repair
• iPod/iPhone Repair
• Smart Phones
• Wireless Networking
• Wired Networking
• On-Site Service
• Training

We make sure your home technology is running at its best!

For when your computer goes wacky...

Give us a call! We are always here for you and your computer! We know your computer doesn't break at the best possible time. Normally its when your son or daughter has a paper due Monday and its Thursday today. Or when you have to leave for a trip. Whatever the situation, we understand this completely! We setup our entire repair process in away that will make sure your in and out! With our friendly knowledgeable staff, and affordable pricing, we make your visits as painless as possible! 

Desktop / Laptop Repair

The box that stores it all just broke!

We're here to get your life line back up and running as soon as possible. We handle all sorts of different services, so many we can't fit it all on this page. To see a small list, just look below!

Malware/Spyware Removal

Malware/Spyware is generally the most widely seen issue we have at Smartie Computers. We see any where from 4 to 10 computers a day with malware issues. Most people receive malware from a bad attachment on an email or one of those popup's that says "YOU HAVE 940 VIRUS ON YOUR COMPUTER, CLICK HERE TO REMOVE NOW!" or something along those line. 

How do I know I have malware or spyware?

Generally you can easily tell if your computer has malware/spyware. 

First look for these issues:

• When searching on google, it redirects your page to some random page
• A anti virus program with a generic name (AV8, Anti Virus 2010, ThinkPoint Security) wont go away.
• Cannot connect to the internet even though your computer says your connected.
• If you have issues similar to this then it is likely you have malware/spyware.

How is it removed?

We use some of the most advanced software out there to go in and remove the files related to the malware without losing your data. 

Turn around time

Generally malware is removed within 1 to 2 days, if its really bad then expect up to 7 days. We recommend taking care of this issue right away. Some malware only gets worse with time. 

Tune Up

With a Smartie Super Tune Up, we removal all your temp files, optimized settings, remove unneeded programs, remove unneeded startup items, diagnostics of all hardware, and we give you a full report as to what we did. We know you will see a difference from when you brought it in and when you get it back.
Get a free tune up! Use our free cleanup program, Smartie Clean. 

System Restore

With a system restore we bring your computer back to the originally condition it was in from the factory. We reload the operating system, install all the drivers, bring it up to date, and tune it up for performance. 

Data Recovery

When your computer crashes, we can recover your data from your hard drive. Your photos, documents, music, tax files, any data can be recovered. We cannot recover programs. About 95% of the time we can recover data from hard drives. If your hard drive is damaged to a point where we can not recover it, there are additional options available.

Memory upgrade

Memory Upgrades are normally recommended when you are using most or all of your current memory. When your memory on your computer is in full use it slows down the computer terribly. Generally we recommend your computer is using only 40-50% of the memory when your working on it. When idling is should be using only 10-20%. Call us today and see what we can do for you!

Email Setup

Want your email setup in your outlook program? We can easliy do this for you have it back to you same day.

Virus Removal

We will go in an remove the virus and any files related to it. We also help you in the future by providing options and helpful ways to prevent this from happening in the future.

iPod & iPhone Repair

Is your iPod as good as a fake apple on a desk?

Is your iPod locked up, not working, battery shot? We train continously to make sure we are always ahead of the curve of any issues that may happen to Apple iPods or iPhones. We carrier instock batterys and parts in the event your iPod or iphone is damanged to the point we need to replace anything internally. If your iPod is just locked up in most cases we can tell you how to fix your iPod over the phone. 

iPod LCD repair

If you have cracked or damaged your iPod screen we can replace it and in most cases have it back to you and in your hands that same day! Call for details.

iPod Data Recovery

Think you might have lost all your music libary? We can in most cases, get all the information back without too much trouble. Cost depends on the size of the drive and the amount of data that needs to be recovered.

iPhone issues

When your iPod doesn't work thats a pain by itself but when your iPhone doesn't work thats like disconnecting you from the world. We can easily fix your broke iPhone and get you connected again. 

Smart Phones Help

Trying to figure our your smart phone?

We can assist you with just about any smart phone with how tos, fix an issue, and configuration.

Email Setup

If you need your corportate email or your personal email account on your smart phone, we can set this up same day! All we need is your email address, username, and password.

File Sync

We can setup and show you how to sync files between your computer and your phone. Doesn't matter if its music files or contacts, we can handle it.

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Business Services

Being prepared is key in business

Just like anything else in business it's always important to be prepared. Especially with computers, being prepared for a hard drive to fail or a laptop to be stolen is a must in business. We can make sure not only your secure but that your running efficiently.

Our Peace Of Mind service is the all around service. With the Peace Of Mind service we listen to your needs, and setup a detailed service plan to support and assist you with all your technology in your business. Whether on a case by case basis or on a monthly service contract, we will fit your budget and maximize your business efficiency. Click here to read more.

Rarely found by any IT company, Smartie Computers also works with industry specific programs. Applications such as Dentrix, Auto Inventor, AutoDesk, ACCU-Build, Lectra, Kickfire, Micromedex, and many more. If we don't know it, we will learn it! That's the lengths we will go to keep you running!

• Business Services
• Consulting
• On-Site Service
• Peace Of Mind
• Repair Services
• Backup
• Web Design
• Online Services
• Training

Peace Of Mind

Its time to relax.

Running a business is a true challenge, why should you have to worry about computers, backups, email, and uptime? We all know we should do what we do best, let us do what we do best for you!

With our Peace Of Mind service, we sit down with you and your employees to learn what your currently using and what your lacking. We will setup a plan that fits your budget, and your needs.

True Peace Of Mind

When a hard drive fails, what do you do? Wouldn't it be great if some magical genie came in the night before and repaired the computer before the hard drive failed, so your employee wasn't sitting around looking at you for something to do. Well, we aren't genies, but we are Smarties! Believe it or not, with Peace Of Mind service thats what we do. We monitor your computers for hardware issues, sercuity risks, and backups functionailty. If something is about to fail, we will contact you and send someone out. We even do after hours. Thats right, even at 3AM! Its what we call True Peace Of Mind, when all you worry about is your business!
 

Services

We are a full service IT company providing all the basic services and more. Not only do we provide the basics like:

• Network Monitoring
• Security
• Backup testing and monitoring
• Equipment sales and retirement
• Web Design and Web Marketing

Thinking ahead

We also work with you to see where your company is going and give you a future plan of attack, giving you an idea of what you will need as your company grows.

Documentation

Few companys provide complete documentation of everything they do, we do! We document every password, ip address, computer location, backup history, and anything else we assist you with.

What can we do for you?

Call or email us today, we will setup an appointment with you to show you what we can do for your business. After our meeting we will setup a few options that you can choose from with estimated reports showing potential gains in productivity, revenue, and yearly savings!

On-Site Service

We can come out to your business and take care of any issues you maybe having. While we are there we can consult you on anything we see should be updated or replaced besides the issue we are there to repair.

We carry as many parts and software as we can in our vehicles, getting your company up and running faster without you waiting on something to show up. We want to help your business grow by getting every bit of use out of your technology devices.

Helping you get more from your technology

All of us at Smartie Computers are here to help you get more from your technology. Our consultation comes at no charge to you. We want to help you make the right decisions for anything computer related. We make sure you don't invest in something you will never need or use. 

Working with companies large and small, we can understand your budget and provide a solution that will last and work as required. 

Call us today 651-304-3073, and schedule a consultation. We would be glad to sit down with you and see what we can do for your business!

Repair Services

If its broken, has a micro chip, we can fix it! :)

Our repair facilty has the capabilities to fix just about anything with a micro chip init. We designed our entire facility to be able to adapt to whatever needs to be fixed. 

Service list

Here is a list of just a few of the repair services we offer:

• Laptop Repair
• Desktop Repair
• Hard drive recovery and repair
• Database recovery
• Data backup and test restores
• Operating system repair (Windows, Apple, Linux)
• Laptop DC jack repair
• Motherboard replacement and repairs
• Memory upgraded
• Cold and hot sodering
• Plastic Welding
• Wired and Wireless Networking
• Power Supply replacement
• Custom engineering

Backup

Preparing for the worst

Having your valuable data backup is extremely important. A hard drive can fail at any moment, fires happen, and its life as we all know. Being prepared for the worst is your best bet. We can help you be prepared without a million dollar budget.

On-site data backup

Most on-site backup systems are external hard drives or NAS systems attached to your network or server. With on-site backup you can recover data much faster, but it also has a large disadvantage. If your building burns down or there is a theft, your data is gone.

Off-site Backup

Having a off-site backup is the most secure method of data protection out there. With off-site data backup, we setup software on your computers to automatically backup and send the data to our private and secure data center. We also have a Tier 2 data backup system which not only backups up the data to our private data center  but also another secure data center in another state. 

Simply Put...

The method we normally recommend is a combination of the above and some additional steps. Most setups we design are servers with RAID 5 with external backup and off-site backup. Giving you the ultimate in protection! It may sound like a lot but the costs are very affordable. Call or email us today, we will provide a free consultation.

Web Design

Our web design division, Smartie Designs can create the image you always wanted for your company. Whether you want a completely new website, redesign an old site, or just update your current site. Go to www.smartiedesign.com see our work and what we can do for you.

Online Services

Online, the new world market

We offer many online services from web hosting to search engine optimization. See some of the services below.

• Web Hosting
  Go to www.smartiehosting.com and see our co-location, shared, and dedicated hosting options.
• Smartie Design
  Go to www.smartiedesign.com and see some of the search engine optimization plans available and what fits your needs.

 

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More Background On SmartieComputers.com

 

SmartieComputers.com was once the digital home of Smartie Computers, LLC, a Minnesota-based computer repair and IT solutions company that served thousands of customers throughout its active years. Though the original business has since closed and its web presence faded, the domain remains an important artifact of a once-vibrant local tech brand. Today, thanks to preservation efforts and archival reconstruction, SmartieComputers.com offers a window into what the business represented during its most successful years between 2008 and the mid-2010s.

This article provides a thorough overview of SmartieComputers.com using preserved content, historical context, community recollection, and industry insights. It exceeds 1800 words and covers ownership, services, reputation, cultural significance, customer audience, technology innovations, and the broader role it played in its Minnesota community.

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Origins of Smartie Computers

Smartie Computers, LLC was founded in fall 2008 by Alan Pinnt, a Hastings, Minnesota resident with a background in technology, small-business management, and customer service. At that time, the tech repair landscape was dominated by big-box retail chains and under-resourced mom-and-pop shops. Many failed to deliver dependable repairs, quality parts, or honest communication.

Pinnt recognized a gap: customers needed reliable service delivered with:

• Transparency

• Speed

• High-quality repair standards

• Accessible pricing

• Friendly and patient support

His mission was to create a full-service IT company that offered everything from computer repair and networking to web hosting — all under one roof. This was ambitious for 2008, when even most national chains did not offer such breadth.

Smartie Computers quickly grew beyond its humble beginnings. By 2011–2012, it branded itself as “Minnesota’s #1 rated computer repair company,” a claim tied to internal customer satisfaction metrics, high repeat business, and enthusiastic community word-of-mouth.

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Location and Physical Storefront

Smartie Computers operated a storefront at:

310 Vermillion Street
Hastings, Minnesota 55033

This address became well-known in the community as a walk-in repair hub where customers could bring their laptops, desktops, iPhones, iPods, and peripherals for diagnosis or repair. Vermillion Street is a main commercial corridor in Hastings, making the store easily accessible for residents across Dakota County and the greater southeast Twin Cities region.

The location mattered because, unlike big-box chains that shipped repairs to mass processing centers, Smartie Computers performed all repairs in house. This allowed:

• Faster turnaround times

• Higher accountability

• Ability to communicate directly with the technicians

• Same-day service for certain problems

• Secure handling of sensitive data and devices

The store’s hands-on, local feel helped the company build loyalty and trust.

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Mission and Core Philosophy

Smartie Computers maintained a clear mission:

To provide high-quality computer repair and IT services at the most affordable prices possible.

The philosophy emphasized:

• Speed: Most repairs were completed in 1–3 days, and sometimes same day.

• Accuracy: Technicians worked on only a few machines at a time to ensure quality repairs.

• Honesty: Customers received explanations in plain language rather than technical jargon.

• Relationship-building: The company viewed customers as long-term partners, not transactions.

• 24/7 availability: Phone and online chat support claimed to be available around the clock.

The company committed to a 98.9% customer satisfaction rate, based on internal tracking and surveys. Whether one accepts the exact number or not, the sentiment clearly reflects how the company saw itself — a service-driven, customer-first brand.

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Innovations and Internal Tools

One of the most forward-thinking aspects of Smartie Computers was its investment in proprietary internal tools. For a small regional IT company in the early 2010s, these capabilities were highly unusual and ahead of their time.

Repair Tracking System

Smartie Computers developed one of the first complete online repair-tracking platforms used by a local repair shop. Customers could:

• Check repair status

• See diagnostics updates

• Receive progress notifications

• Communicate with technicians

At a time when most independent repair shops relied on sticky notes, whiteboards, and generic point-of-sale software, this system demonstrated serious operational sophistication.

Automated Express Repair Program

The company also created automated repair tools that helped technicians quickly fix common malware, registry errors, and configuration issues without manually typing commands. This improved accuracy and sped up servicing during busy periods.

These innovations formed the backbone of Smartie Computers’ efficiency claims and helped differentiate it from competitors.

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Range of Services Offered

SmartieComputers.com showcased a broad and ambitious service catalog. These offerings can be grouped into two primary categories: Home Services and Business Services.

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Home Services

Smartie Computers became known locally as a one-stop shop for all home technology repair and support.

Desktop and Laptop Repair

The company handled repairs for all major PC manufacturers, including:

• Dell

• HP

• Lenovo

• Acer

• Apple

Repairs included:

• Malware and spyware removal

• Virus cleanup

• Operating system repair

• Hardware diagnosis

• Hard drive replacement

• Memory upgrades

• Data recovery

• Startup and boot repair

• Power supply issues

• Motherboard installation

• System reinstallation and tuning

Their malware service was particularly popular — the company reported seeing 4 to 10 malware-infected machines per day, a plausible figure during the early 2010s malware boom.

System Tune-Ups

Their “Smartie Super Tune Up” included:

• Removing temp files

• Eliminating unnecessary startup services

• Software optimization

• Hardware diagnostics

• Full performance review

Tune-ups were positioned as a cost-effective way to extend the lifespan of older computers.

Data Recovery

Smartie Computers claimed a 95% success rate in standard data recovery cases. Services included:

• Recovering photos, documents, and music

• Salvaging data from corrupt partitions

• Pulling files from failing drives

• Assistance after accidental deletion

For catastrophic drive failures, the company partnered with more advanced recovery providers.

iPod and iPhone Repair

In the early 2010s, Apple device repair was less common outside Apple Stores. Smartie Computers offered:

• LCD replacement

• Battery replacement

• Lockup diagnostics

• Data recovery

• Component swaps

The company prided itself on stocking replacement parts to provide same-day turnaround.

Smart Phone Support

Smartie Computers also helped users configure smartphones for:

• Email

• File sync

• Contacts syncing

• Basic troubleshooting

This was an essential service at a time when smartphone adoption was still in transition.

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Business Services

Smartie Computers also served the needs of local companies, ranging from small businesses to larger establishments with complex IT environments.

IT Consulting

The company offered consulting on:

• Infrastructure upgrades

• Budget planning

• Security improvements

• Backup planning

• Office network design

Technicians visited the site, analyzed systems, and built custom service plans.

On-Site Service

For urgent issues, technicians traveled to business locations. They carried as many common replacement parts and tools as possible to expedite on-site repairs.

Peace of Mind Service (Managed Services)

This was Smartie Computers’ equivalent of modern managed IT plans. Services included:

• 24/7 monitoring

• Automatic alerts for potential hardware failures

• Security risk detection

• Backup verification

• After-hours emergency service

• Proactive maintenance

The program was marketed as “True Peace of Mind,” highlighting the idea that businesses should never have to think about their technology — Smartie Computers would do that for them.

Backup Solutions

Smartie Computers promoted a multi-layered backup strategy:

• RAID 5 or similar redundant servers

• External on-site backup

• Off-site cloud backup (to Smartie’s private data center)

• Secondary off-site backup in another state

This combination provided resilience against theft, fire, hardware failure, and local disasters.

Web Design and Hosting

In an era when local web design shops were still common, Smartie Computers also offered:

• Website development

• SEO services

• Website redesign

• Shared hosting

• Co-location

• Dedicated servers

The company’s web services were branded under Smartie Designs and Smartie Hosting, each with its own identity.

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Smartie PCs — A Private Line of Computers

One of the most unique aspects of Smartie Computers was its own private label of computers called Smartie PCs (SPC). The company built custom machines using high-grade components and backed them with:

• A 3-year hardware warranty

• Lifetime hardware technical support

This high level of support indicated confidence in the quality of components and assembly. Smartie PCs were available as:

• Desktops

• Workstations

• Gaming PCs

• Laptops

• Servers

This private line set Smartie Computers apart from most local repair shops, which typically only serviced devices rather than manufacturing their own.

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Audience and Community Impact

Smartie Computers primarily served:

• Hastings residents

• Dakota County communities

• Small business owners

• Students

• Parents and families

• Freelancers

• Local government offices (in some cases)

• Anyone who preferred personal service over big-box chains

Because the company combined friendliness, technical skill, and fast turnaround times, it became a trusted resource for non-technical customers.

For many locals, Smartie Computers was the place to go when:

• A child’s laptop broke right before a school project was due

• A business needed to recover critical files

• A smartphone suddenly stopped working

• A family computer was infected with malware

This local relationship-building was central to the company’s identity.

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Reputation and Customer Feedback

Although large review platforms contain limited historical data today, SmartieComputers.com emphasized receiving overwhelmingly positive customer feedback. The site showcased a 98.9% satisfaction rate, reflecting the company's belief that customers were pleased with both the service quality and the personal attention they received.

The company’s claim to be “Minnesota’s #1 rated computer repair company” reflects bold and confident local marketing, but also indicates that the business saw itself as a regional leader providing exceptional service.

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Cultural and Social Significance

Smartie Computers represented an era when local tech shops played a vital role in community life. Before widespread cloud storage, smartphone ubiquity, and modern remote support solutions, people relied heavily on in-person repair shops to:

• Save memories stored on failing hard drives

• Remove harmful malware

• Configure home Wi-Fi networks

• Help families stay connected

• Support small businesses transitioning into the digital age

The company also reflected an entrepreneurial wave of the late 2000s, when tech-savvy individuals built hybrid businesses combining hardware repair, software support, network engineering, and web development.

Today, the preserved SmartieComputers.com content serves as a nostalgic reminder of that period — a time of rapidly expanding home technology, abundant computer viruses, and growing demand for local tech knowledge.

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Why the Digital Footprint Matters

When Smartie Computers closed, its digital footprint became fragmented. Search engines marked the business as “permanently closed,” a label that often fails to honor the years of service and community impact. The modern domain owner acquired SmartieComputers.com specifically to:

• Preserve its legacy

• Prevent misuse of the domain

• Maintain historical context

• Keep its story from disappearing

• Encourage future entrepreneurs to fill the void

This act of preservation reflects how important small businesses can be to local communities — even long after they close.

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SmartieComputers.com stands today as more than just a dormant domain; it represents the history of a company that once brought essential tech services, strong customer support, innovative tools, and personal connection to thousands of people in Minnesota. Smartie Computers was a pioneer among local tech shops, offering unusually advanced services, its own product line, and genuine dedication to customer relationships.

Although the business itself is gone, its preserved content reveals a rich story — one of local entrepreneurship, community reliance, and technological ambition during a vibrant era of consumer tech evolution. In honoring Smartie Computers’ historical footprint, the domain continues to serve a purpose: it safeguards the memory of the brand and keeps alive the spirit of the services it once offered.

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