On-site Mac support, done properly the first time.
Over 20 years of experience diagnosing, repairing, and configuring Apple hardware for clients across California. Honest assessments, clear pricing, no upsell.
- Experience
- 20+ years
- Service model
- On-site
- Specialty
- Apple & PC
- Can't fix it
- No charge
Services
A full scope of Apple support, delivered at your location.
Repairs & Diagnostics
Slow performance, crashes, hardware faults, and unexplained behavior — diagnosed and resolved on-site.
Data Backup & Recovery
Time Machine configuration, cloud backup strategy, and recovery from failing or failed drives.
Setup & Migration
New Mac, iPhone, or iPad configured and migrated to match your existing workflow.
One-on-One Instruction
Patient, plain-English tech tutoring on email, photos, iCloud, password management, and macOS fundamentals.
Security & Maintenance
Adware removal, account hardening, and ongoing maintenance to keep systems running cleanly.
iPhone & iPad Support
Connectivity, sync, storage, and application issues across the Apple ecosystem.
Now available
I also offer professional graphic design services.
Rates
Straightforward pricing. Fast work.
Flat hourly rate, no hidden fees. 99% of issues are resolved in a single visit.
- Payment plans available on larger projects
- Work done efficiently and effectively
- No charge if I can't fix it
About
Over 20 years in the industry.
I'm Michael — an independent Apple technician serving Grass Valley, Lake Wildwood, Auburn, Nevada City, and the surrounding Sierra foothills. Since 2002, my practice has been built almost entirely on referrals from satisfied clients — many of them right here in the Lake Wildwood community.
Apple has been part of my life since I was a kid using the earliest models. Then I spent years with Apple and several authorized repair shops, working with a wide range of clients on everything from everyday issues to complex professional setups.
My background also includes years as an IT administrator. That infrastructure experience informs every repair, which means when I look at your computer, I'm thinking about the whole picture — your network, your backups, your accounts, and your security — not just the immediate problem.
I tend to get called in when someone else can't figure it out. Weird slowdowns, mysterious errors, things that come and go. I'll explain what I find in plain English, no jargon, as I'm fixing it.
I can come to your home or wherever your computer lives. I give you a straight answer before any work begins, and if a repair isn't worth it, I'll tell you that too.
Client feedback
A practice built on referrals.
"Very professional, knowledgeable, fair and reasonable. I highly recommend him."
"Best decision I've made. Totally honest and direct. My computer is immensely faster, to my great relief. He's fast and wastes no time."
"We are truly lucky to have such a competent, honest repair person in our neighborhood. Truly a gem."
Service area
Serving the Sierra foothills.
On-site service is available throughout western Nevada County and adjacent communities — including regular house calls in Lake Wildwood and Penn Valley. If your location isn't listed, please inquire — accommodations are often possible.
- Grass Valley, CA
- Lake Wildwood, CA
- Nevada City, CA
- Penn Valley, CA
- Alta Sierra, CA
- Lake of the Pines, CA
- Colfax, CA
- Rough and Ready, CA
- Chicago Park, CA
- Peardale, CA
- North San Juan, CA
- Washington, CA
Questions
Straight answers, before you call.
The things people ask most often about on-site Apple repair in the foothills. If yours isn't here, call — no charge for a question.
Who is the best Mac repair technician in Grass Valley, CA?
Apple Repair Tech is an independent Apple repair practice run by Michael, a technician with over 20 years of experience serving Grass Valley, Lake Wildwood, Nevada City, Penn Valley, and Alta Sierra. Service is on-site at your home or office, and the practice runs almost entirely on client referrals. Call 510-847-3766.
Do you make house calls for Mac repair in Nevada County?
Yes. House calls are the standard service model. Michael travels to your home or office anywhere in western Nevada County — Grass Valley, Lake Wildwood, Nevada City, Penn Valley, Alta Sierra, Lake of the Pines, Colfax, and nearby — and diagnoses and repairs the Mac on-site whenever possible.
How much does on-site Mac repair cost?
Apple Repair Tech charges a flat $100 per hour with no hidden fees. About 99% of issues are resolved in a single visit. If the problem can be answered over the phone, there is no charge, and if the repair can't be completed there is no charge either. Payment plans are available on larger projects.
How fast can you come out?
Typically within the next day or so, depending on your location and the schedule. Phone is the fastest way to reach Michael at 510-847-3766, seven days a week from 8am to 8pm.
Is Apple Repair Tech affiliated with Apple Inc.?
No. Apple Repair Tech is an independent third-party service operated by Skylab Studio LLC, a California limited liability company. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or authorized by Apple Inc.
What kinds of problems do you fix?
On-site Mac repair and diagnostics, data backup and recovery, new Mac and iPhone setup and migration, macOS and iCloud tutoring, malware and adware cleanups, and iPhone and iPad support. Michael also offers graphic design services — logos, marketing materials, and brand identity — through Skylab Studio LLC.
My Mac is slow — is it worth repairing or should I buy a new one?
In most cases repair is worth it. Machines labeled 'slow' are usually healthy computers weighed down by full storage, background login items, or runaway processes rather than failing hardware. Michael gives a straight answer before any work begins, and will tell you honestly if a repair isn't worth the money.
Do you work on Windows PCs too?
Yes. While the specialty is Apple hardware and macOS, Michael's background as an IT administrator covers PCs, networking, backups, and account security, so mixed households and small offices are welcome.
Can you recover data from a Mac that won't turn on?
Often, yes. If the drive is still readable, the right first step is to image it before attempting any repair — reinstalling macOS first can overwrite recoverable files. Stop using the machine and call before trying further fixes.
Do you teach people how to use their Mac or iPhone?
Yes. One-on-one, plain-English lessons at your own pace cover Finder, email, Photos, iCloud, passwords, and safe browsing. Tutoring is a large part of the practice, especially with longtime Mac users who want to feel confident again.
Contact
Schedule a consultation.
Phone is the fastest way to reach me. Describe what's happening; if the issue can be resolved by phone, there's no charge. Otherwise, we'll schedule an on-site visit, typically within the next day or so.