computer

Computer Buying Guide

Meaningful differences in speed between desktops and laptops have largely disappeared. But each design has its own advantages and trade-offs. We give you the essential information to find the computer that's right for you.
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Brands

This list includes a number of major brands of computers. Among these brands, only Apple computers run the Macintosh OS, while newer Macs can run Windows. Manufacturers often change their retail distribution. For the most current list of outlets where a laptop brand is available, use a shopping search engine.

Acer/Gateway/eMachines  |  Apple  |  Dell  |  HP/Compaq  |  Lenovo  |  Samsung  |  Sony  |  Toshiba

Acer/Gateway/eMachines

Sells desktops, laptops, and netbooks.

Gateway and eMachines were acquired by Acer in 2007. The companies do not sell their products direct to consumers, unlike most other computer makers. The Acer Aspire line is targeted toward mainstream users, while eMachines systems are positioned as a value line. Gateway desktops and laptops focus on design and style.

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Apple

Sells desktops and laptops.

Positioned as a premium brand, Apple computers usually cost more than Windows-based systems. Apple computers use Apple's operating system, Mac OS X. Macs can also run Windows. Mac OS X is known to have fewer problems with viruses and other malware. The company primarily offers several consumer lines, the MacBook and MacBook Pro (laptops), the iMac (all-in-one desktops), and the Mac mini (a small form-factor budget desktop). Apple's telephone tech support is limited to three months, but you can get unlimited free tech support at the Genius Bar in Apple stores.

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Dell

Sells desktops, laptops, and netbooks.

The largest seller of desktops and laptops in the United States, Dell also offers netbooks. Its mainstream/value line is called Inspiron. Studio is the design- and style-oriented brand, while Studio XPS models are premium performance and gaming systems. The Dell Mini is its netbook series. For hard-core gamers, Dell offers Alienware systems.

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HP/Compaq

Sells desktops, laptops, and netbooks.

HP is the second-largest seller of desktops and laptops in the United States. The Pavilion is HP's mainstream and performance line for desktops and laptops. Premium laptops carry the HDX moniker. The TouchSmart is HP's all-in-one desktop line, and HP Mini is its netbook line. The value line of desktops and laptops is sold under the Compaq Presario brand.

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Lenovo

Sells desktops, laptops, and netbooks.

Previously part of IBM, Lenovo has been expanding its offerings to consumers. IdeaPad (laptop) and IdeaCentre (desktop) are its consumer lines, while ThinkPad and ThinkCentre are Lenovo's corresponding business lines.

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Samsung

Sells laptops and netbooks.

Samsung is a relative newcomer to the U.S. laptop market; it primarily sells netbooks in the US.

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Sony

Sells desktops, laptops, and netbooks.

Sony's line includes laptops, all-in-one desktops, netbooks, and an Atom-processor-equipped system that it calls the Lifestyle PC. Sony PCs are known to include a lot of extra software, from free Sony multimedia programs to demos from other manufacturers.

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Toshiba

Sells laptops and netbooks.

Toshiba sells laptops and recently entered the netbook market. Its consumer laptops include the Satellite line for value and mainstream systems, and the Qosmio line geared toward gaming and multimedia.

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