Laptop Brands

There are numerous laptop manufacturers, several of which are household names. These companies are divided into two camps: those that make Macs and those that make PCs. Apple is the only company that manufacturers Macs; all other brands produce PCs.

Mac vs. PC

All computers run some type of operating system. The two most popular operating systems in consumer computers are Microsoft’s Windows (the most current version of which is Vista) and Apple’s Mac OS (the most current version of which is Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard).

PCs generally run the Windows operating system.
Macs generally run the Mac OS operating system.

Nowadays, the differences between these two operating systems are largely cosmetic. Mac OS has a reputation for being easier to use and less vulnerable to viruses and other security threats than Windows, but Windows’s main benefit is the variety of third-party software available for it. The best way to determine which operating system is right for you is to try both. Apple’s numerous retail stores throughout the country offer short tutorials on Mac OS, and just about any consumer electronics store will have Windows-based PCs that you can try out. The one you end up choosing is largely a matter of personal preference. Bear in mind that one isn’t necessarily any better than the other. After all, you can perform the same tasks in Windows as you can in Mac OS.

Macs

Many consumers prefer Macs because:

They have a distinctive design: Apple has developed a proprietary styling for Mac computers that has become increasingly popular—and instantly recognizable to many—in the United States and beyond. Some consumers have been known to purchase Macs based on their aesthetic appeal alone.
They come with a good multimedia software package: With each Mac, Apple includes a set of software applications, such as iTunes, iMovie, and iPhoto, that make it easy to create and manage a library of multimedia files.
They’re more resistant to viruses and other malicious software: Macs tend to have fewer viruses and spyware problems than Windows PCs.

PCs

Many consumers prefer PCs because:

They offer a wide variety of software options: Because there are so many different PC manufacturers, there’s a larger variety of bundled software applications available for PCs than for Macs.
They’re good for gamers: PC laptops are better than Macs at handling complex video game applications.
They come in unique designs: In the past, PCs had a plain, no-frills look, but manufacturers have started to give PCs a range of more interesting designs.

Note, however, that PCs are more vulnerable to viruses and spyware than Macs.

Major PC Manufacturers

Many different companies manufacture PCs. Among the most popular are:

Dell: Dell has been the leader in PC sales for the past few years, and the company’s laptops are among the most popular brands.
Toshiba: Toshiba essentially launched its PC business with its laptop line. The company is known particularly for its lightweight laptops.
HP: HP may not have the same presence in the PC market as it used to, but its laptops are still popular with consumers. HP produces well-rounded laptops that are known for suiting consumers’ everyday needs.

(For more information on some of the models that these companies manufacture, see Popular Laptop Lines.)

Acknowledgments & Disclaimer