Desktop computers
Behind the brands
The brands listed here are the major names in computers. Many made our Quick Picks in recent Ratings.
Apple is above average for tech support and reliability. Users are generally less satisfied with tech support for Windows-based PCs, although Dell is better than average at problem solving. Compaq is worse than average across the board for tech support. For more information, check the data we've compiled in our Repairs & reliability section and in our Tech Support sections.
APPLE
Design and tech-support leader. Apple's reliability is top-notch. The company has also consistently offered the best tech support of all brands but you must pay for it after 90 days. You might consider an extended warranty, which can be costly. Another option is to try Apple's retail stores, which offer free support. Few, if any, virus and spyware infections of Macs have been reported. An updated version of the Mac OS X operating system was recently released. Apple also offers innovative and thoughtful hardware designs. Bundled multimedia software is on the cutting edge. Macs can now run Windows as well. Apple's signature desktop system is its all-in-one iMac. Sleek and minimalist, the iMac is available in 20- and 24-inch sizes. If you shop online, Apple's site offers top-notch service and selection. But if price is a priority, you might be able to save a bit at MacConnection.com, Amazon.com, or MacMall.com.
DELL
Clean design, wide-ranging offerings. Dell's two desktop lines are Inspiron and XPS. Inspiron includes a slim model and a series of basic but highly configurable systems. The Inspiron's design is clean, with, for example, the optical drive neatly tucked into the case's front panel. For users willing to spend a bit more money for a fancier system, XPS models are geared toward power users and gamers. Dell also owns Alienware, which focuses mainly on extreme gamers. Dell's Web site offers better-than-average model selection.
GATEWAY/eMACHINES
For the budget-minded. The eMachines brand is Gateway's offering for buyers looking for a deal. You sacrifice features and configurable options for the lower price. Gateway's DX line is a mid-range machine that is more configurable than eMachines. More-expensive FX models start at $1,000. Gateway recently introduced an all-in-one model, the Gateway One. Gateway was recently acquired by Acer. Gateway's Web site offers above-average model selection, but Newegg.com, Amazon.com, and TigerDirect might offer better prices.
HP/COMPAQ
Windows style maven. HP is the trendsetter in design for Windows-based PCs. Like Apple and Gateway, HP offers an all-in-one desktop, called the TouchSmart. The company's Pavilion line encompasses systems from the mid-range a6000 series to the high-end d4000 series, which starts at $1,000 and can include up to a terabyte of storage. There's also a slim Pavilion. HP recently added a group of Elite models, higher-end multimedia systems, to its Pavilion offerings. Look into the Compaq line for budget systems. Extreme gamers might find HP's BlackBird or Voodoo computers of interest. HP and Compaq's Web sites offer above-average model selection but PCConnection.com, Newegg.com, Amazon.com, PCMall.com, and TigerDirect.com might offer better prices.
LENOVO
An emphasis on practicality and security. Lenovo is aggressive when it comes to safety, with built-in security features and a backup program standard on its desktops. Instead of focusing on trendy design, Lenovo emphasizes a more business-oriented look. But models also include fewer multimedia features than other brands and are less configurable. The 3000 J Series is targeted toward homes and home offices. The new K series includes energy consumption controls. We have no tech support data for Lenovo desktops. Lenovo's Web site offers better-than-average model selection but PCConnection.com, Newegg.com, Amazon.com, and PCMall.com might offer better prices.
Apple is above average for tech support and reliability. Users are generally less satisfied with tech support for Windows-based PCs, although Dell is better than average at problem solving. Compaq is worse than average across the board for tech support. For more information, check the data we've compiled in our Repairs & reliability section and in our Tech Support sections.
APPLE
Design and tech-support leader. Apple's reliability is top-notch. The company has also consistently offered the best tech support of all brands but you must pay for it after 90 days. You might consider an extended warranty, which can be costly. Another option is to try Apple's retail stores, which offer free support. Few, if any, virus and spyware infections of Macs have been reported. An updated version of the Mac OS X operating system was recently released. Apple also offers innovative and thoughtful hardware designs. Bundled multimedia software is on the cutting edge. Macs can now run Windows as well. Apple's signature desktop system is its all-in-one iMac. Sleek and minimalist, the iMac is available in 20- and 24-inch sizes. If you shop online, Apple's site offers top-notch service and selection. But if price is a priority, you might be able to save a bit at MacConnection.com, Amazon.com, or MacMall.com.
DELL
Clean design, wide-ranging offerings. Dell's two desktop lines are Inspiron and XPS. Inspiron includes a slim model and a series of basic but highly configurable systems. The Inspiron's design is clean, with, for example, the optical drive neatly tucked into the case's front panel. For users willing to spend a bit more money for a fancier system, XPS models are geared toward power users and gamers. Dell also owns Alienware, which focuses mainly on extreme gamers. Dell's Web site offers better-than-average model selection.
GATEWAY/eMACHINES
For the budget-minded. The eMachines brand is Gateway's offering for buyers looking for a deal. You sacrifice features and configurable options for the lower price. Gateway's DX line is a mid-range machine that is more configurable than eMachines. More-expensive FX models start at $1,000. Gateway recently introduced an all-in-one model, the Gateway One. Gateway was recently acquired by Acer. Gateway's Web site offers above-average model selection, but Newegg.com, Amazon.com, and TigerDirect might offer better prices.
HP/COMPAQ
Windows style maven. HP is the trendsetter in design for Windows-based PCs. Like Apple and Gateway, HP offers an all-in-one desktop, called the TouchSmart. The company's Pavilion line encompasses systems from the mid-range a6000 series to the high-end d4000 series, which starts at $1,000 and can include up to a terabyte of storage. There's also a slim Pavilion. HP recently added a group of Elite models, higher-end multimedia systems, to its Pavilion offerings. Look into the Compaq line for budget systems. Extreme gamers might find HP's BlackBird or Voodoo computers of interest. HP and Compaq's Web sites offer above-average model selection but PCConnection.com, Newegg.com, Amazon.com, PCMall.com, and TigerDirect.com might offer better prices.
LENOVO
An emphasis on practicality and security. Lenovo is aggressive when it comes to safety, with built-in security features and a backup program standard on its desktops. Instead of focusing on trendy design, Lenovo emphasizes a more business-oriented look. But models also include fewer multimedia features than other brands and are less configurable. The 3000 J Series is targeted toward homes and home offices. The new K series includes energy consumption controls. We have no tech support data for Lenovo desktops. Lenovo's Web site offers better-than-average model selection but PCConnection.com, Newegg.com, Amazon.com, and PCMall.com might offer better prices.
