At The Portable Source, Inc. our qualified technical staff has over 40 years of experience. We can diagnose and fix all makes of laptop/notebooks and desktop computers. We have been at the same location repairing computers since 1992. Our specialty is primarily in laptop/notebooks, but we work on desktops, as well.
We also repair Playstation (PS3), XBOX, and Wii game consoles along with tablet (iPad) and smartphone (iPhone and Samsung) screen replacement. We are dedicated to providing customers with prompt, honest and friendly service at affordable prices.
We also repair Playstation (PS3), XBOX, and Wii game consoles along with tablet (iPad) and smartphone (iPhone and Samsung) screen replacement. We are dedicated to providing customers with prompt, honest and friendly service at affordable prices.
Services
The Portable Source, Inc. was incorporated in 1992 and was established to custom configure high end notebooks. While the need for high end notebooks have declined, the need to repair notebooks have risen. We provide repair services for notebook/laptop and desktop computers. We also sell new and used notebooks under $499.
We carry a full assortment of refurbished laptop computers. All have been fully tested and come with a 1 month warranty. Most of these laptops still have the desired Windows XP operating system. We get new weekly arrivals, so there is always a good selection to choose from. If you purchase a notebook from us, we will transfer your data (music, photos, and documents) at no cost, to the new laptop.
Is the power jack on the back of your laptop loose? Does your battery no longer hold a charge? Will your laptop just shut off by-itself? There is a good chance that your internal power jack is loose or broken and no longer makes contact with the motherboard. This is a common problem, and the manufacturer will advise you to replace the entire motherboard at a cost of $500 - $800.
Is your laptop LCD screen cracked, having issues with distorted colors, or no image at all? You probably need a new LCD screen. We carry glossy and matte finish screens of all sizes. We can match that special proprietary screen to your notebook, insuring you have the perfect fit. Ours LCD prices are much cheaper than the original manufacturer of the notebook, and as always you'll get that personal service you deserve.
If your ac-adapter is having problems or if you just need a second one, we can supply it. We carry the majority of notebook ac-adapters in stock. Our ac-adapters are tailor made for your specific laptop. With so many variations (connector, amps, volts, watts, polarity) for each ac-adapter, it is important that you get a perfect match.
Reviews (23)
Lance Sann
Oct 15, 2017
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Oren P.
Aug 24, 2015
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I have come here several times and will probably go back - now that I know that if there is any customer complaint about a perceived problem with their products, services, or prices that the owner or manager will do whatever they can to correct it and resolve customer dissatisfaction.
A suggestion I have for BOTH customers and the store to prevent possible misunderstanding is to clarify the cost/price prior to payment and include an itemized/detailed description on the invoice/receipt.
A suggestion I have for BOTH customers and the store to prevent possible misunderstanding is to clarify the cost/price prior to payment and include an itemized/detailed description on the invoice/receipt.
Sheila M.
Jun 04, 2015
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I'm not sure how we stumbled upon them many years ago, but they are always our go-to when something happens with any of our computers. They barely take more than 24 hours to get back to us with a diagnosis. Reasonably priced and honest. They've even taken quick looks at our laptop and charged us nothing when our laptop was toast.
Davide P.
Feb 25, 2015
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I spend 300$ dollars for two laptop.
I waned to fix them so I didn't have to spend more money to buy a new tablet,wich cost even less.
The first one I wanted to adjusted because it was amazing watching movies on it, when I turned on it looked like they substitute the screen with a really cheap one, and it turned off after 2 minutes. They said to buy a new battery, I was too pissed off to ask him why he didn't told me that before to give me back the computer, so I ask him why the other one that I brought in , since it was too slow, it still runs slow, the answer was that they upgrade
I waned to fix them so I didn't have to spend more money to buy a new tablet,wich cost even less.
The first one I wanted to adjusted because it was amazing watching movies on it, when I turned on it looked like they substitute the screen with a really cheap one, and it turned off after 2 minutes. They said to buy a new battery, I was too pissed off to ask him why he didn't told me that before to give me back the computer, so I ask him why the other one that I brought in , since it was too slow, it still runs slow, the answer was that they upgrade
Petra K.
Feb 04, 2015
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This is a follow up to a review I did April, 2103. Unfortunately, my experience was drastically different than when Ruben was there. A fan broke off in my desk top computer and I needed a new one. I was told that the new part would be around $68 and the total amount including the installation would be $189 out the door. I was wondering what needed installing as I saw 4 screws that needed to be screwed in to make it hold. The guy at the register said that the bottom part under the vent needs to be taken off and cleaned out and things around it need to be cleaned. I was a little hesitant about
Joe S.
Oct 06, 2014
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First off, I contacted the Portable Source on the recommendation of the Geek Squad at BestBuy. I used to take my laptops to another vendor in the area, but it appears that their experienced technicians are no longer working there.
I brought my Toshiba Satellite P770 laptop to them because my CD/DVD drive stopped working a couple of days after my warranty ran out. I thought the problem might be the motherboard because:
1.) The computer's fan would be going like crazy, even when the computer wasn't running hot.
2.) The computer recently started to shut down on its own just because
I brought my Toshiba Satellite P770 laptop to them because my CD/DVD drive stopped working a couple of days after my warranty ran out. I thought the problem might be the motherboard because:
1.) The computer's fan would be going like crazy, even when the computer wasn't running hot.
2.) The computer recently started to shut down on its own just because
Frank G.
Sep 10, 2014
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Demitri is a ROCK STAR !
, the best. my main laptop crashed and brought in my old laptop to get it refreshed like new. This was a rush order. I have been out of work for 4 months and really needed this backup laptop restored.
Demitri saved the day.
Great service at a fair price.
This is the place to bring your laptop for service , Two thumbs up.
Will come back here again.
Frank G
, the best. my main laptop crashed and brought in my old laptop to get it refreshed like new. This was a rush order. I have been out of work for 4 months and really needed this backup laptop restored.
Demitri saved the day.
Great service at a fair price.
This is the place to bring your laptop for service , Two thumbs up.
Will come back here again.
Frank G
Michael P.
Jan 10, 2014
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Scott (the owner of Portable Source) contacted me today regarding my review and, offered to make things right and, he did.
Also, they are under NEW management and, they have revamped all of the staff that were the problem, including Jesse in my previous review.
We discussed much in our PM's and, his efforts to make things right were admirable and, excellent customer service orientated.
Now, even though I am purchasing a Tablet and have no need for the lap top that needed the battery, I still feel it is the right thing to do by penning a 5 Star update for Scott's excellent customer
Also, they are under NEW management and, they have revamped all of the staff that were the problem, including Jesse in my previous review.
We discussed much in our PM's and, his efforts to make things right were admirable and, excellent customer service orientated.
Now, even though I am purchasing a Tablet and have no need for the lap top that needed the battery, I still feel it is the right thing to do by penning a 5 Star update for Scott's excellent customer
Lynette Marchetti
Jan 07, 2014
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Christopher R.
Sep 24, 2013
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Send them an email about fixing my ps3 ylod, got a quote for $89, i went in there the next day and showed them the ps3 and asked how much to fix the ylod on it, the guy said $129, i then told them about the email and he stated oh well we can do it for that. Waited about a week got a call went down there today , they said it couldnt be fixed to much damage to motherboard and it was going to be $50 dlls. Really $50 for telling me what the problem is? I told him well i brought it to get fixed not a diagnostic.
Bottom line just wasted my time and gas driving there, i do not recommend this place
Bottom line just wasted my time and gas driving there, i do not recommend this place
Peter Fisk
Jul 06, 2013
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Pauline M.
Feb 23, 2013
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Long story short: Portable Source was able to fix a bad chip in my motherboard and get my laptop back to me the next day for $149.
My Dell Inspiron M5030 laptop for work wasn't turning on and would give me 7 loud beeps when I tried. I Googled the issue (on another computer, obviously) and it seemed like a motherboard problem. This was problematic because my warranty with Dell expired a year ago. I called some of my tech-savvy friends and most of them suggested just getting a new laptop (especially since it's for work), but that I could take it to a repair shop to see if it might be an
My Dell Inspiron M5030 laptop for work wasn't turning on and would give me 7 loud beeps when I tried. I Googled the issue (on another computer, obviously) and it seemed like a motherboard problem. This was problematic because my warranty with Dell expired a year ago. I called some of my tech-savvy friends and most of them suggested just getting a new laptop (especially since it's for work), but that I could take it to a repair shop to see if it might be an
Nick N.
Aug 07, 2012
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I gave them my Sony VAIO laptop to repair because my screen had broken (Was constantly at a near black/invisible state, although the power was still on). I got the Laptop back shortly after, with the screen fixed, but my laptop was completely changed without any warning. The following defects were present:
-Integrated Webcam disappeared. Searched for hours for new drivers/program computer files, and it was just gone. No trace it ever even existed on my laptop.
-Battery life indicator disappeared. Same with the webcam. Now I never know what power level my laptop is at, which means I basically
-Integrated Webcam disappeared. Searched for hours for new drivers/program computer files, and it was just gone. No trace it ever even existed on my laptop.
-Battery life indicator disappeared. Same with the webcam. Now I never know what power level my laptop is at, which means I basically
Amy S.
Jul 23, 2011
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John and the team at Portable Source are miracle workers.
I have a 2004 Sony Vaio (I know, SO old school) and have really only relied on it for personal/fun stuff. But, when I left a full time job in which a computer was provided and therefore now REALLY needed my personal computer for my independent consulting work... it busted. For $40 Sony informed me that the blue screen I was seeing basically meant "You are screwed cuz all your data is lost. Yes, all of it." I had not backed up my data for 2+ years (I am the idiot). So, after panic turned to action, I got Portable Source&apos
I have a 2004 Sony Vaio (I know, SO old school) and have really only relied on it for personal/fun stuff. But, when I left a full time job in which a computer was provided and therefore now REALLY needed my personal computer for my independent consulting work... it busted. For $40 Sony informed me that the blue screen I was seeing basically meant "You are screwed cuz all your data is lost. Yes, all of it." I had not backed up my data for 2+ years (I am the idiot). So, after panic turned to action, I got Portable Source&apos
Gail P.
Jan 21, 2011
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This place is great! They specialize in cleaning up and repairing laptops. My techy brother uses them exclusively although there are other computer repair places much closer to the house. That should tell you-that the service must be excellent-otherwise why subject yourself to Kearny Mesa unnecessarily?
Located midway between 163 and 805, directly across the street from Sears, I would recommend Portable Source as the go-to place for any laptop issues. In my case, my plug was lose and my laptop would not charge. It was so frustrating because I thought it was the AC cord and ordered a new one through
Located midway between 163 and 805, directly across the street from Sears, I would recommend Portable Source as the go-to place for any laptop issues. In my case, my plug was lose and my laptop would not charge. It was so frustrating because I thought it was the AC cord and ordered a new one through
Justin R.
Aug 23, 2010
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I took our company laptop here to get it assessed. The staff seemed honest, that is very important when dealing with a computer store. The employee told me that he did not know what was wrong with our laptop and recommended contacted the laptop company directly. We were so thankful that he did not attempt to sell us a service or product that was not needed.
Thank you for your honesty, it really counts.
Thank you for your honesty, it really counts.
T. S.
Jul 29, 2010
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Great folks to work with. Could not ultimately fix my screen as it was just not available but they gave it a serious try.
Kept up great communication and advised that it was more expensive than originally quoted, waited for my response and it was still a fair price. I really think they did everything they could and really kept me up to date without having to call them back.
Hopefully I don't have another screen break but I'd go back in a for sure.
Kept up great communication and advised that it was more expensive than originally quoted, waited for my response and it was still a fair price. I really think they did everything they could and really kept me up to date without having to call them back.
Hopefully I don't have another screen break but I'd go back in a for sure.
Marvin E.
Jun 28, 2010
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Eh, I built my own comp and when I had it shipped here to SD, it ended up with a few bruises. I was getting a simple error and had an idea of how to fix it but chose to take it in (because I don't have spare parts lying around that I can swap in and out my comp to troubleshoot). I was told that the price I am paying would be applied towards repair, however they never repaired my comp.
So I essentially paid $50 bucks to have them confirm something I already knew...and the guys who gave me my comp back wasn't sure if the guy who looked at it was going to actually put the part I needed
So I essentially paid $50 bucks to have them confirm something I already knew...and the guys who gave me my comp back wasn't sure if the guy who looked at it was going to actually put the part I needed
Dennis F.
Jan 21, 2010
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I was just deciding to take my laptop to pacific beach since i saw it on yelp. But since they weren't open on a sunday, Portable Source is the next best thing for me. Also its a lot closer to my house. They cleaned my laptop and checked everything and before you know it my laptop is back to normal again. The second day i'm using my laptop it died on me again. Took it back and from what they're telling me that my laptop which is HP dv6000 is being recalled because of certain things that's not working. They told me that Lenovo, Acer and Toshiba are the top brands i should be looking
Janet D.
Dec 28, 2009
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Meredith M.
Jan 29, 2009
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I recently dropped of my laptop to be repaired. The jack needed to be soldered/reinforced, AGAIN. Last time, my laptop was sent on a 2 week long vacation (to LA) by the Mission Valley Geek Squad of Best Buy for repairs. To the tune of $150 (which, incidentally, they forgot to charge me for). Within weeks, the jack was wiggling again, and in about a month, no power was getting to my laptop - annoying, but then again, I never paid for it, so slightly less annoying than it would have been.
It finally got to the point where I NEEDED my laptop back. Begrudgingly, I headed back to Best Buy. They
It finally got to the point where I NEEDED my laptop back. Begrudgingly, I headed back to Best Buy. They
Bob H.
Jan 11, 2009
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In November 2008 I took a two year old Toshiba laptop into "The Portable Source" on the recommendation of "The Chip Merchant". The problem with the laptop was a video issue or so it seemed. After a short usage period the screen would go black with horizonal thin gray lines across the top of the screen. This always happened after as short a time as ten minutes to as much as forty-five minutes. Turn the laptop off and wait a short time, reboot and the screen was back for another short usage period.
I was told when I dropped it off that the basic estimate would cost $95.00 and
I was told when I dropped it off that the basic estimate would cost $95.00 and
Matt G.
Feb 07, 2008
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These guys are great. They are knowledgeable, friendly, and timely. They saved me a ton of money too when my motherboard fried. If your computer is busted and you don't know how to fix it, take it to these guys and they will get you up and running again quickly. Another great thing is that they didn't try to rip me off. They carefully explained all of my options to me and then made recommendations to save me the most money. Overall, a great business.
