There are so many different computer brands on the market today that it can feel mind-boggling to sift through them, let alone identify the single brand that is most likely to exceed your expectations in all areas. The truth is that different brands are known for different strengths and no two brands are created equally. Here are some of the most popular computer brands and their strengths to help you determine which is right for you.
How to Choose a Computer
Every brand of computer — from the world-famous to the unknown — has its strengths as well as its weaknesses. Because of this, one of the best ways to approach choosing the brand of computer you want to invest in is to first identify your own needs. For instance, if you must have a machine that can accommodate enterprise hard drives internally, this may be a factor you can work from, eliminating all machines that do not meet this criterion. From here, if you understand which of the remaining brands excel in the areas of most interest to you, you may end up with two or three top brands that you can devote more research to until finally you select the perfect computer for you.
Hewlett Packard
Hewlett Packard, or “HP” for short, is a trusted brand name computer that manufactures both desktop and laptop models. HP has been a market leader for decades and is perhaps Apple’s biggest competitor for computer sales. In terms of company stability, which is important for customer service, HP is one of the largest computer companies in the world. One of HP’s true strengths is in ease of use. They design computers that are easy to navigate and intuitive to operate. So if you do not have a great deal of technical know-how, the HP machine will guide you through the process and make you feel like a pro.
Acer
Acer is a lesser-known brand name computer that is best described in a single word: “reliable.” Acer users purchase Acer computers because they are affordable and reliable. For the price, you get a sturdy, stable machine with all of the basic functions at a price that can work for nearly any budget.
Apple
Apple computers continue to set the technology standard worldwide — leading even their closest competitor, HP, with innovations such as the iPhone and the iPad, which are founded on a principle of integrated, intuitive technologies that run seamlessly together. Apple’s greatest strength is its reputation for high quality and high performance. Apple machines are also arguably the most visually attractive computers on the market today.
Dell
While the Dell brand has lost visibility in recent years due to aggressive marketing from competitors HP and Apple, the Dell brand was once considered the crème de la crème in the personal computing field and is still a force to be reckoned with. Dell’s greatest strength comes in terms of computer performance. Dell also offers what is arguably the industry’s most comprehensive manufacturer’s warranty.
Asus
Asus is another lesser-known brand that has gained market share based on a very affordable price point. Asus machines are not fancy, but they are highly functional, technologically current and best of all — affordable for everyone.
Sony
Sony is perhaps best known for its home and car entertainment systems, but Sony computers benefit from the company’s investment into durable equipment by being the most durable computers in the industry.
Lenovo
The Lenovo brand is an up-and-coming brand in the technology market today. This brand is making a name for itself by offering what is perhaps the best battery life among laptops on the market today.
Toshiba
Toshiba is another brand name that is perhaps best known for its more visible product lines in home entertainment. However, gaming enthusiasts know the Toshiba brand well. Its greatest strength is that it is built for comfortable use. Perhaps gaming enthusiasts have embraced it in particular because of its very comfortable keyboard configuration.
With this basic list, you will be equipped to begin your search for the perfect computer to meet your needs depending on your priorities, budget, daily tasks and more.
About the Author: Sarah Worthen is an IT manager for a mid-sized telecommunications company. In the last year she has completed a company-wide computer upgrade that involved 12 months of research into what various computer brands have to offer.
