List of Computer Brands & Details

A vast number of computer brands exist or have manufactured computers in the past. Read on for a detailed list of twelve major brands and where each brand's computers can be purchased...

ACER: This brand offers desktop, laptop, and tablet computers, as well as various accessories. Their products are relatively inexpensive, although usually not among the cheapest, and can be purchased at Staples, OfficeMax, Wal-Mart, Office Depot, and Radio Shack.

APPLE: Having first become popular with its Apple II computer series, Apple makes a variety of desktop and laptop computers, as well as accessories. Its products are generally more expensive, but Apple operating systems are known for being less susceptible to viruses than those offered by other brands. Apple computers are available at CompUSA and Best Buy stores, as well as The Apple Store.

COMPAQ: The role of Compaq in the computer industry is not as great as it once was, having been acquired by Hewlett-Packard and given secondary priority, with their website now part of HP.com. They offer several models of inexpensive (as little as $340) laptop and desktop computer systems; these are sold by Wal-Mart, Office Depot, OfficeMax, and Radio Shack.

DELL: This brand (formerly "PC's Limited") is known for inexpensive desktop and laptop computers, as well as its technique of assembling computer systems after customers have ordered the particular configuration they desire from its website. Their prices are usually only rivaled by eMachines, Everex, and Compaq brands. Dell also offers printers, monitors, and other accessories.

EMACHINES: One of the few brands to offer lower prices than Dell (although not as inexpensive as Everex) on some computer models, eMachines makes tower-style desktop computers and monitors. Many of their computers use AMD, rather than Intel, processors. They are available at Office Depot and Best Buy, among others.

EVEREX: Although not one of the most well-known brands, Everex has made computer products for many years; according to wikipedia.org, it started producing personal computers in 1985. It recently attracted attention (news article) for introducing a new under-$300 energy-efficient desktop computer. Everex brand computer systems can be bought from Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, Best Buy, and OfficeMax stores.

HP: Hewlett-Packard makes desktop and laptop computers, as well as printers, digital cameras, and other computer equipment. Their computer systems tend to have AMD processors more often than Intel and are moderately priced. They can be purchased at Office Depot, Staples, OfficeMax, Wal-Mart, and Radio Shack.

IBM/LENOVO: Known for introducing IBM-compatible computers and its popular ThinkPad laptops, IBM has been acquired by Lenovo. Some, but not all, models in its ThinkCentre series are compact desktop-style units. Computer equipment from these two brands can be purchased at moderate expense in Office Depot or CompUSA stores.

PANASONIC: Unlike many brands, Panasonic only makes laptop computers; its "Toughbook" series is fairly expensive and designed to be more heavy-duty than other models. It also offers printers and a few other accessories. Toughbook laptops can be purchased at Office Depot and Panasonic's website.

SONY: Best known for its Vaio laptop computer series, Sony also makes some relatively expensive small desktop computer models. It sells monitors and keyboards as well. Customers can buy Sony computer systems at Staples, Best Buy, Radio Shack, and Office Depot.

TOSHIBA: Like Panasonic, this is another of the brands which focuses on laptop computers, along with making other electronics. Models include the Portege, Satellite, and Tecra. They can be purchased at Wal-Mart and Radio Shack.

Other brands include Averatec (laptops only), Gateway, and various expensive brands which make systems oriented toward newer processor-demanding computer games. Brands which are no longer selling computers but can often be bought used include Zenith, Tandy, NCR, Packard Bell (no longer sold new in U.S. or Canada), AST, and Amiga. Although different characteristics and levels of quality, reliability, and customer support can generally be expected from each of the brands, it is best to read as many reviews as possible of an individual model before purchasing it.