DoctorMac Is In: No Insurance Required

It can be hard to shop locally and support small businesses when all your kids, spouses, girl/boyfriends, grandparents (mistresses?) want are iPods and computers and the accoutrements that go with them.

In the Rivertowns, that's no longer the case.

—a misleadingly titled "Apple Reseller"—sells new iPods and Mac computers, including the recently-released MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.

Irvington resident Bill Belchou lives so close to his store at 64 Main Street that he can practically see it from his window.  After 15 years selling and repairing Apple devices, Belchou is thrilled to bring his merchandise and expertise to Irvington.

 "I used to complain that I didn't see enough of a variety of stores in Irvington," Belchou said. "Finally it was time to put my money where my mouth was and open a shop here. So far, people have been so supportive and enthusiastic."

One of his greatest coups during his few months operating here was helping a customer from White Plains buy a computer in Irvington.

"Everyone complains that the Apple store in the [Westchester] mall is so crowded and that you don't get personal service," he said. "Here, it's quiet and personal."

Besides selling new and refurbished computers (at standard Apple prices), Belchou has iPods and lots of exessories like: wireless routers, Apple Time Capsules, AirPort Extreme and wireless routers with built-in hard drives and adaptors. (Need last-minute Chanukah presents or stocking-stuffers?)

"It's amazing how many people still don't realize that they need to back up their hard drives," Belchou said.

Besides selling products, Belchou also sells time.

At an hourly rate of $135 for Rivertowns residents ($155 for people from outside the area), he will come to your home or business and help clients with any issues that arise with their Apple computers. He charges $125 per hour for in-store consultations (though the clock doesn't start until after 15 minutes).

And if you just need some quick advice or training, DoctorMac offers on-spot tutorials for $1.65 per minute.

He even offers Mac-based home automation, which means that you can hook up virtually any home electronics to your iPad or iPhone—lights, heating, security cameras, garage doors, sprinklers...

What about fish tank filters?

"I'm sure we could figure it out," he said

Probably the most common problem people face with computers—all computers—is reduced speed from overloaded systems.

"When you get a new car, they always tell you to come in for regular tune-ups," he said. "I say the same thing about computers."

DoctorMac is also an Authorized LightSpeed Reseller—which means they'll help organize small businesses with Mac technology.

Belchou has two full-time employees—Hannah Grybowski Dan Cilmi—and one part-time employee, Matt Graff. All have extensive experience working at a larger Apple store and are available to help customers as well.

"Data recovery is one of the most common things I help customers with," Grybowski said. "We are also able to provide services for 'vintage computers'—or computers more than five years old. Larger Apple stores won't do that."

Though he isn't thrilled to admit it—because it can be a pain to fix—Graff said he's a pro at repairing cracked screens.

"We can actually spend time with customers here; talk to them," Graff said. "One customer just couldn't believe we were a 'real' Apple store and grilled me for 15 minutes. It was a strange experience, but I finally convinced her."

As far as holiday gifts go, Belchou recommends an iPod touch for older kids and teens and the MacBook Pro for high school/soon-to-be college students.

"If you buy your 16 year old a MacBook now and come in for yearly tune-ups, it should last him or her through college," Belchou said.

Belchou Has no qualms in admiting to being an Apple proselytizer. "I want to convert the world to Mac," he said.

Oh, and one more piece of big news:

Starting in 2012, DoctorMac will be authorized to sell iPads!

(And you thought ...)

DoctorMac is located at 64 Main Street in Irvington, NY

Learn more about DoctorMac—its services and hours here.