- In this report
- Overview
- CR Quick Recommendations
- Ratings
- Repairs & reliability
- How to choose
- Features
- A guide to brands
- Tech support
- A guide to tech support
- First Look
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Laptop & notebook computers
Behind the brands
The brands listed here are the major names in laptops. Many made our Quick Picks in recent Ratings. Repair rates for laptops are relatively high, but brand differences are minimal. We have no reliability or tech support data for Acer.
ACER
The retail brand. Because they're only available at retail, you can't configure Acer's systems. But they tend to be inexpensive. We like the onscreen control panel, which provides easy access to your system's settings. Acer recently acquired Gateway. You can find Acer computers online at PCConnection.com, Newegg.com, Amazon.com, PCMall.com, and TigerDirect.com.
APPLE
Design and tech-support leader. Apple has 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 released in October. Apple also offers innovative and thoughtful hardware designs. Bundled multimedia software is on the cutting edge. Macs can now run Windows as well. But Macs are often costlier, aren't as configurable, and run warmer than most other laptop brands. Apple's MacBooks have 13-inch displays; MacBook Pros come with 15- or 17-inch screens. If you shop online, Apple's site offers top-notch selection. But if price is a priority, you might be able to save a bit at MacConnection.com, Amazon.com, or MacMall.com.
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.
DELL
Full-featured. A trendsetter among Windows PC makers, Dell offers well-equipped systems in a range of prices. They're more expandable than other brands. A webcam and dual microphones were recently added to compete with other brands' multimedia capabilities. Cases are available in a variety of colors. You can configure your system without the trial and promotional software included by many other brands. Laptops in the Inspiron line are generally thicker and heavier than other brands. Tech support was better than some Windows brands'. Dell's Inspiron line consists of mainstream laptops that range from budget systems to desktop replacements. The XPS line offers more expensive, beefier models geared toward power users and gamers. Dell's Web site offers better-than-average model selection.
GATEWAY
Very good online selection. The newest Gateway laptops incorporate features such as a webcam, bringing them in line with many other brands. Some of the low-priced models are not as well built, with drawbacks such as flimsy snap-on screen borders. Tech support was disappointing. Gateway's offerings include the NX line and the C line of convertible laptops/tablets. The T-, M-, and P-series represent Gateway's travel, mainstream, and premium models. Gateway was recently acquired by Acer. Gateway's Web site offers better-than-average model selection, but Newegg.com, Amazon.com, and TigerDirect.com might offer better prices.
HP
Stylish design with plenty of features. Along with Dell, HP is a trendsetter among Windows PC manufacturers. The company makes use of interesting design elements, such as a glossy finish, but sometimes that style comes at the expense of usability. For example, the glossy touchpad can make it hard to control the cursor. New models include a fingerprint scanner and an expansion port. HP systems include a lot of trial and promotional software. Technical support was disappointing. The Pavilion is HP's mainstream laptop line. HP also offers budget laptops under the Compaq name; gaming systems are part of the HDX line. HP's and Compaq's Web sites offer better-than-average model selection, but PCConnection.com, Newegg.com, Amazon.com, PCMall.com, and TigerDirect may 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 laptops. A fingerprint scanner is optional. 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.
Tech support was best among Windows brands we surveyed. ThinkPads are business-oriented; Lenovo's 3000 series targets home users and small businesses. Lenovo's Web site offers better-than-average model selection, but PCConnection.com, Newegg.com, Amazon.com, and PCMall.com might offer better prices.
SONY
Stylish but expensive. With an emphasis on style, Sony varies its systems' designs from one size to another. Sony laptops can be costly. The company includes a notable set of multimedia programs in its systems but it also throws in a lot of trial and promotional software. Tech support was disappointing. Sony has only one laptop line, the VAIO. Sony's Web site offers better-than-average model selection but much-worse-than-average pricing. PCConnection, Newegg.com, Amazon.com, and PCMall.com probably offer better prices.
TOSHIBA
Well-rounded selection. Toshibas are among the lightest laptops in some categories and are slightly less expensive than comparable budget Dells. The metallic keyboards on the newer models have a grainy texture. A lot of trial and promotional software is preloaded. Toshiba's support was disappointing. The Satellite is Toshiba's mainstream brand; Qosmio is a desktop replacement loaded with multimedia features. Ultraportable systems use the Portégé name; Tecra laptops are for business users. Toshiba's Web site offers better-than-average model selection but less-favorable pricing. PCConnection, Newegg.com, Amazon.com, and PCMall.com probably offer better prices.
ACER
The retail brand. Because they're only available at retail, you can't configure Acer's systems. But they tend to be inexpensive. We like the onscreen control panel, which provides easy access to your system's settings. Acer recently acquired Gateway. You can find Acer computers online at PCConnection.com, Newegg.com, Amazon.com, PCMall.com, and TigerDirect.com.
APPLE
Design and tech-support leader. Apple has 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 released in October. Apple also offers innovative and thoughtful hardware designs. Bundled multimedia software is on the cutting edge. Macs can now run Windows as well. But Macs are often costlier, aren't as configurable, and run warmer than most other laptop brands. Apple's MacBooks have 13-inch displays; MacBook Pros come with 15- or 17-inch screens. If you shop online, Apple's site offers top-notch selection. But if price is a priority, you might be able to save a bit at MacConnection.com, Amazon.com, or MacMall.com.
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.
DELL
Full-featured. A trendsetter among Windows PC makers, Dell offers well-equipped systems in a range of prices. They're more expandable than other brands. A webcam and dual microphones were recently added to compete with other brands' multimedia capabilities. Cases are available in a variety of colors. You can configure your system without the trial and promotional software included by many other brands. Laptops in the Inspiron line are generally thicker and heavier than other brands. Tech support was better than some Windows brands'. Dell's Inspiron line consists of mainstream laptops that range from budget systems to desktop replacements. The XPS line offers more expensive, beefier models geared toward power users and gamers. Dell's Web site offers better-than-average model selection.
GATEWAY
Very good online selection. The newest Gateway laptops incorporate features such as a webcam, bringing them in line with many other brands. Some of the low-priced models are not as well built, with drawbacks such as flimsy snap-on screen borders. Tech support was disappointing. Gateway's offerings include the NX line and the C line of convertible laptops/tablets. The T-, M-, and P-series represent Gateway's travel, mainstream, and premium models. Gateway was recently acquired by Acer. Gateway's Web site offers better-than-average model selection, but Newegg.com, Amazon.com, and TigerDirect.com might offer better prices.
HP
Stylish design with plenty of features. Along with Dell, HP is a trendsetter among Windows PC manufacturers. The company makes use of interesting design elements, such as a glossy finish, but sometimes that style comes at the expense of usability. For example, the glossy touchpad can make it hard to control the cursor. New models include a fingerprint scanner and an expansion port. HP systems include a lot of trial and promotional software. Technical support was disappointing. The Pavilion is HP's mainstream laptop line. HP also offers budget laptops under the Compaq name; gaming systems are part of the HDX line. HP's and Compaq's Web sites offer better-than-average model selection, but PCConnection.com, Newegg.com, Amazon.com, PCMall.com, and TigerDirect may 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 laptops. A fingerprint scanner is optional. 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.
Tech support was best among Windows brands we surveyed. ThinkPads are business-oriented; Lenovo's 3000 series targets home users and small businesses. Lenovo's Web site offers better-than-average model selection, but PCConnection.com, Newegg.com, Amazon.com, and PCMall.com might offer better prices.
SONY
Stylish but expensive. With an emphasis on style, Sony varies its systems' designs from one size to another. Sony laptops can be costly. The company includes a notable set of multimedia programs in its systems but it also throws in a lot of trial and promotional software. Tech support was disappointing. Sony has only one laptop line, the VAIO. Sony's Web site offers better-than-average model selection but much-worse-than-average pricing. PCConnection, Newegg.com, Amazon.com, and PCMall.com probably offer better prices.
TOSHIBA
Well-rounded selection. Toshibas are among the lightest laptops in some categories and are slightly less expensive than comparable budget Dells. The metallic keyboards on the newer models have a grainy texture. A lot of trial and promotional software is preloaded. Toshiba's support was disappointing. The Satellite is Toshiba's mainstream brand; Qosmio is a desktop replacement loaded with multimedia features. Ultraportable systems use the Portégé name; Tecra laptops are for business users. Toshiba's Web site offers better-than-average model selection but less-favorable pricing. PCConnection, Newegg.com, Amazon.com, and PCMall.com probably offer better prices.
