HP and Compaq's merger provided consumers with many options. Their desktop and laptop brands continue to set the trend in Windows computing. For laptops, HP offers value priced models with their HP and Compaq Presario lines. HP offers AMD and Intel dual-core processor options to increase speed and efficiency. 

Perhaps better known for their printers these days, Hewlett-Packard (HP) still makes a wide range of laptops to cover virtually every user, from the young creative-type who spends his days surfing the Web via Wi-Fi at Starbucks to the rich executive whose desk furniture costs more than the annual salaries of most of his employees. The Mini line, for instance, is a line of tiny netbooks starting at $269. The Pavilion notebook series is a more traditional, mainstream laptop line for home users and runs $599 and up. The higher end Pavilions cost twice that, and pack power for gaming and high-end computing. The ENVY line, meanwhile, can cost $1500 and up and is made for the user who wants it all. While their lower-end models are often criticized for unreliability and short life spans, but they are cheap and are ubiquitous at big box retailers everywhere.

Nothing says modern technology like Toshiba® laptops. Compact, convenient, and fully loaded with the latest software, when you buy Toshiba® laptop computers you'll have a workstation you can rely on. As a bonus, not only are Toshiba® laptops durable, but they're also pretty stylish. So if you have work to do down at your favorite coffee shop, expect a few gawkers. With wide screens and chic exterior, Toshiba® knows how to design technology for the modern world.

Toshiba have become a big maker of great, reliable mainstream notebooks and netbooks, as well as a popular line of business notebooks. Of all the major laptop manufacturers, Toshiba models were found to have the second-lowest rate of malfunction within three years at just 15.7%, only 0.1% lower than Asus, the top brand--that's a finding worth bragging about. Most Toshiba models come highly recommended from LaptopAdvisor, whether they're for personal computing or business use. They're not the sexiest computers out there, but they work well and rarely break.

Ever since Acer's acquisition of Gateway computers, both showed improvement in their model offerings. Representing the core systems are the Acer computers. EMachines, owned by Gateway, produces value models. The desktop models of Gateway computers provide style and performance, integrating with the latest system designs and sleeker look.  Acer sold more units in 2009 than any other laptop manufacturer besides Dell. That's quite a feat, and they're aggressively pursuing the top spot in 2010. They have been proactive in the netbook wave as well as the effort to make portable computers more energy efficient. The Aspire One netbook is among the best, with an expected 10 hours of battery life. Acer's Timeline laptop series is also impressive, promising up to 8 hours of battery life, the best of any mainstream notebook. They've also announced tentative plans to jump into the emerging tablet category sometime in summer 2010.

Gateway was a late entrant into the portable computing market, standing loyally by desktop machines for a long time. They seem to have accepted the inevitable shriveling of the desktop market and have focused on refining their notebooks over the past few years. Gateway continues to upgrade its design creating sleek and stylish machines that hold up over the long haul and offer continued consistency in their delivery of reliable and versatile machines. Gateway’s recent introduction into netbooks (who hasn't entered the netbook market besides Apple?) came with great new look and feel that has out-styled many of its competitors.

Asus basically invented the netbook category in 2007 with the original Eee PC. They’ve remained a major player in that segment since that time, and their current netbook lineup features models of varying screen size, along with a forward thinking “virtual storage” (more commonly known as cloud storage) subscription service. It allows users to store their files on remote servers so that these small machines can get by with smaller hard disks, therefore making them lighter and more energy efficient. Asus is also a respectable purveyor of gaming laptops and regular ol’ productivity machines. Most importantly, Asus makes very reliable machines. Their computers were found to have a lower failure rate than any other brand – a great accomplishment that consumers should take note of.

Dell's systems offer better expandability compared to other computer brands. Dell lets consumers configure their own systems without the trial and promotional software other brands include. Dell offers three desktop lines--Inspiron, Studio and XPS. It comes with a series of processing unit, from the low-end with Intel Celeron processor, Intel Pentium dual-core, Intel core duo processors, Intel 2 Quads and Quad Core. Dell also comes with an internal memory of 2 to 8GB with expandable SATA storage up to 750GB. Dell computers are probably the cheapest ones around, making them a popular choice among parents who are buying their child's first computer.

With a strong reputation in the industry, Dell continues to sell more portable computers than any other manufacturer in the industry. While smaller manufacturers are quickly approaching their sales figures -- Acer is knocking on the top-spot door -- Dell continues to be a strong, stable player in the market. They are particularly known for their on-site support provided through their standard (non mail-in) warranty. Dell users have mixed feelings on Dell's customer support and service, but in general, these are solid, decently reliable computers.

Lenovo offers the most aggressive in security and safety brands compare to other computers in the market. It offers built-in security features and back-up program standards, while other brands would only provide this on a trial basis. Lenovo does not come with many multimedia features and the system is non-configurable. Lenovo targets business-oriented users. Small business and home office computing are Lenovo's specialty, so you would not see any gaming product lines. Lenovo offers Intel Dual-Core and Intel Extreme processors among others, providing up to 8GB of internal memory and up to 750GB SATA hard drive.

A few years ago, Lenovo inherited (well, bought) the tried and true ThinkPad line from IBM. Since then, not much has changed: The ThinkPad line of notebooks and laptops still bear the IBM logo and still offer reliability and security for consumers looking for a machine that can keep up with them and their work. Lenovo also offers the 3000 line, which offers much of the same stability in a more mainstream package.

What can be said about the ThinkPad? It's perhaps the most enduring brand name in laptop computing. These sturdy notebooks have been serving students and businesspeople well for years, and under Lenovo, they have continued to be a strong contender for consumers who need a little extra security when it comes to their precious data. The ThinkPad has an optional magnesium-alloy roll cage and shock-mounted hard drive, making it practically impervious to blunt force damage or falls. A built in biometric scanner replaces text passwords with a swipe of your finger, providing an extra layer of personal protection. On top of all that, underneath the hood, there is a powerful, high-performance notebook capable of fulfilling all your computing needs.

Mobile computer users who spend their day places that look notebook unfriendly might want to give a big careful look at Panasonic laptops. Unlike mainstream systems, they are designed to withstand the most intense situations that one can come across. Panasonic laptops were among the first rugged computers on the market. Professionals in so many different fields and environments use these kinds of computers. From soldiers fighting wars to engineers drilling holes in the middle of Alaska via marine scientists.

Toughbook notebook computers, the brand name of Panasonic laptops, are made to withstand water, drops, intense heat, dust, vibrations and more nasty things that can happen to fragile common notebooks. What is excellent about Toughbooks is that there are different systems for different industries. For instance, if you work around water, you will have a solution of a more waterproof computer.

If there is a downside to these laptops it is that they are pretty expensive! This means that for most computer users, it will be well beyond their reach. But companies and professionals who understand that it is better to invest in a decent product than keep replacing a fragile one over and over, should spend the money without hesitation.

Apple is the only computer brand that runs on a MAC operating system (MAC OS). Nowadays, an Apple user can also run Windows OS. Apple is popular for its innovative hardware designs. It comes with multimedia software that is very popular with the masses. Apple computers are highly reliable and they offer excellent technical support. The biggest drawback for Apple is its price-- it does not come cheap. It is also not as configurable as other brands. Users can custom-tailor an Apple computer to their specifications that would come straight from the manufacturer.

The ascent of Apple's sleek and stylish notebook is one of the greatest comeback stories in modern computing. Fifteen years ago, nobody would've guessed that Apple and their Mac OS would be mounting a successful and highly-persuasive campaign against the PC, but they've done just that. Apple is again among the dominant tech companies today. Thanks to an emphasis on style, a preoccupation with intuitive features and smart, well-designed interfaces, the Apple MacBook and MacBook Pro are a common sight these days. They still account for only a modest percentage of all laptops sold but are hugely popular among those in the creative fields. Such beauty does not come for free, however, and consumers will pay somewhat of a premium for these gorgeous notebooks. But as those who own them will tell you, it's a small price to pay for peace of mind and pleasurable computing.

If you are a professional, a gamer, a creator,an editor or just enjoying the latest entertainment, these Sony Vaio notebooks and desktops deliver the industry-leading technologies you crave. You will find the widest selection of Sony Vaio notebooks here at Buy.com. Check out the line of Sony Vaio CS Laptops or the NS Series for the price savvy shopper. Be impressed by the TT ultra portable Vaio line up or the business BZ Series Sony Vaio completes the line up from start to finish making Sony the answer to your computing needs.

The Sony VAIO series includes a wide variety of laptops (ranging from 8" to 17") that share one thing in common: quality design. Sony laptops are some of sleekest and best looking on the market.