The computer is one of the best inventions of the 20th century. Each decade, computer companies were able to improve computers that gave us personal computers. They managed to shrink them while putting more power to them. Computer manufacturers continue to compete in the market by innovating the technology.
To help you on your research, I reviewed and listed my Top Ten Laptop Brands in the market today.
These reviews are a mix of knowledge, research and experience.
10. Gateway
Compare to other computer companies, Gateway is a new entry. It only started in 1985 in Iowa by Tedd Waitt and Mike Hammond. It gained an instant popularity in the U.S. because of its multimedia features and growing numbers of satisfied customers. In 2007, it was acquired by a Taiwanese computer company Acer. Gateway flashes its cow-spot logo as a tribute to its farm heritage.
Features
Gateway laptops come with smooth design, multi-media control, excellent Wi-Fi and great speakers. And one of Gateway’s main feature is its affordability. Gateway also has the best model for gaming laptops.
Laptop Models
NV Series – the NV Series features striking designs. It offers practicality and fits for all needs and general use. It has a Gateway MyBackup Function Key for backing up your files so you can worry no more. It instantly connects to your social media networks for easy status updates.
ID Series – ID Series specializes in communication and networking. It is also ideal for personal use. It has HD Ultrabright LED-backlit display and comes with Dolby Home Theater v4 that provides realistic audio. Dolby Home Theater makes your music sound like a live concert and your movies sound like a real life.
EC Series – EC Series is known for its mobility. With its light weight and long battery life, it is perfect for traveling. This model will let you take your work or assignments with you on the road.
Customer Satisfaction
I admit, I never owned a Gateway but tried to test it though. I never had a major issue with this brand except for the laptop’s slow response sometimes. I never managed to try their customer service too. So far, I’m contented with the performance of this brand.
9. Acer
Acer is a Taiwan based electronic company which was founded in 1976 with the name Multitech. They later changed the name to Acer in 1987. Today, they are producing desktop and laptop computers, mobile phone and PCs, LCD monitors and TVs, projectors, smartphones, etc. In the decade of 2000, Acer has become no. 4 most popular brand in the world. They are Taiwan’s pride and leading franchised computer retail chain today.
Features
Inside Acer laptops are 299.0 Intel Pentium III 600 MHz Processor 128 MB, 12 GB RAM hard disk CD RW Drive, Audio-in and Mic Jacks, built-in Modem and Ethernet of 10/100 Lan, Infra Red, 2 USB ports, 1 Parallel and 1 Series Ports, External Keyboard port, Lithium-Ion battery and PCMCIA Slot Upgradeable Memory and Hard disks.
Models
Acer offers a wide selection of laptop models, from 10-inch notebooks to 17-inch laptops with prices starting as low as $450. Acer laptop models are:
Acer Ferrari – Acer Ferrari has an eye-catching Ferrari design. It is built to help professionals develop and deliver ideas and multi-tasking jobs. It has high-resolution 15.4” wide screen, multipurpose flash card slot, 1GB RAM and double-layer optical drive. Its best features are speed, vision clarity, power, mobile expansion and wide coverage.
Acer Aspire – Acer Aspire is created for business and personal purposes. While it is perfect as a complete mobile office with its power and high performance, it is also has clear, high-resolution screen, great for entertainment and personal use.
Acer Travelmate – the Travelmate features high-performance, portability and excellent connectivity. This model is ideal for persons on the field and outgoing. Travelmate also offers versatility and durability.
Feature Software
- Crystal Eye Webcam
- ePower
- eRecovery
- Backup Manager tools
Innovation
Acer managed to fit-in Core i7 on an 11-inch notebook and made 3D laptops affordable.
Customer Satisfaction
There are reportedly 87% satisfied Acer users. These satisfied consumers include me. I used an Acer brand and I’m satisfied with its performance, both work and entertainment. It has features and innovations on a very low price.
8. Dell
Dell Inc. was founded by Michael Dell in 1984 in his campus dorm at the University of Texas. His aim is to do direct selling and through it, he aimed to understand consumer’s needs and provide them the most effective computing solution.
Features
Dell laptops offer convenience with high-performance at reasonable prices. They feature high-speed 3G connectivity and light weight which are ideal for travel. Dell laptop’s sizes range from 12” to 20”. They offer power with Intel Core Duo processor and Microsoft’s Media Center OS.
Laptop Models
Dell Inspiron – The Dell Inspiron is the most sought Dell laptop model. It has current modules of B130, E1505, E1405 and E1705, and the first generations XPS and 9100. The XPS was tagged as “ultimate gaming machine” and the 9100 as “desktop replacement”.
- The E130 was built for convenience and ease of use. It is also a “budget notebook”, intended to keep costs down. Its design is entirely hard plastic on body.
- E1405 is a 14” notebook with gears as same as the E1505’s without the GPU options. Its best feature is its long battery life.
- E1505 – It is great for someone who’s looking for technology on a reasonable price. E1505 has the Core Duo PCMAG and a 15.4-inch widescreen. Inside E1505 is 1.67GHz Intel Core Duo, 80GB (5400rpm) disk, 1GB DDR2 SDRAM, two-layer DVD burner, and ATI Mobility Radion X1300 graphics.
- E1705 – the E1705 features a 17” XGA widescreen LCD and an Intel Core Duo or Solo processor. It is the most loaded Inspiron model with connectivity options with six USB ports including a 5-in-1 card reader, FireWire port and a DVI-D port.
- XPS M2010 – M2010 is not ideal for travelers. It has a big 20” LCD screen with 1680×1050 resolution and weighs 18.5 lbs.
- XPS M1210 – this Inspiron model is perfect for communication. It is loaded with webcam, video chat software, noise-isolation earbuds, Skype Internet communication software and optional embedded mobile broadband. It is great for travelers like me who likes to bring along their work, weighing only 4.37 pounds.
- XPS M1710 – a bit of similar with the 1705 Inspiron. It is 15.5” wide, 1.6” thick and 11.3” deep with full-size keyboard.
Feature Software
Dell Dock. It’s a widget on top of the screen that creates and keeps all your favorite software shortcuts.
Innovation
Skype-certified HD webcams
Customer Satisfaction
This brand always has good customer feedbacks. Surveys stated that majority of Dell’s customers are satisfied with the brand’s product and services.
One thing I noticed with Dell laptops is its simple and cheap looking design. But it still performs decently. With its price, you can’t ask for more.
7. MSI
MSI is another Taiwan based company that started 26 years ago as mainboard manufacturer.
Features
MSI does not only specialize on professional and entertainment laptops but gaming laptops as well. They have a large variety of gaming laptops under the GT model. MSI laptops contain sleek and smart design.
Laptop Models
GT – GT is MSI’s laptop model for gaming. It features a high-definition widescreen perfect for gaming. It also contains the latest 2nd Generation Intel Core i7 Processor, high-end NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580M discrete graphics card (with GDDR5 2GB VRAM) for an outstanding quality detail images.
F Series – the F Series is another line of MSI model great for gaming and watching movies. It features an exclusive Cinema Pro technology. And not only it’s visually enhancing; it also has high-quality sound too. The F series also featured a Checkered Flag Exterior. It is a coating that avoids fingerprint, oil stains and scratch.
X-Slim Series – this MSI laptop model is ideal for professionals. With its slim design and long battery life, you can bring your extra work out from office. It has a professional stylish design and high audio and visual performance.
Classic Series – The Classic Series is perfect for personal use. It has user-friendly features and loaded with personalized features and options.
Feature Software
- Easyviewer – displays images with UI.
- BurnRecovery – produces full system backup discs.
- MSI Dock – organizes and put together favorite programs.
Innovation
Exclusive TDE Technology – adds speed to MSI notebooks.
Customer Satisfaction
MSI users are generally satisfied with the brand. I’m also using an MSI laptop and I can give the brand a fair rating. Although, it may not be leveled along with other known and expensive brands, it’s still a quality laptop. It also proves that cheap price doesn’t always mean cheap product.
6. HP
HP (Hewlett Packard) was founded by college students from Stanford University, Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard, in 1939. It started as producers of various electronic products for industry, but it was in 1995 when HP introduced their own line of personal computer products.
Features
HP features varies on each laptop models. HP laptops fit to every category of consumers such as business type, personal use, and basic productivities.
Laptop Models
HP Pavilion – the Pavilion specializes on personal and entertainment features such as the QuickPlay for easy DVD and CD playback; media card reader, TV tuners, and the double-layer DVD burners with HP’s LightScribe technology.
Compaq – the HP Compaq is a lot like the Pavilion, only specializes on productivity and cheaper. If you’re a busy person and looks for easy access for communication tasks, word processing, e-mail, etc., Compaq is the one for you.
Feature Software
- MediaSmart – for DVD, music and editing photos.
- ProtectTools Security Manager – for storing sensitive passwords.
Innovation
CoolSense – vent technology that controls the laptop’s temperature.
Customer Satisfaction
Over 70 percent of HP customers have expressed their satisfaction on this brand. What I like about HP laptop is its sleek design and a complete feature packaged in one laptop model. It gives me all I need including productivity, entertainment and personal use.
5. Toshiba
This Japanese electronic/electrical firm giant started in the merger of Tokyo Denki and Shibaura Seisakusho way back 1939. It was named Tokyo Shibaura Denki and nicknamed as Toshiba. But it was only 1984 when they formalized to call the company as Toshiba Corporation. The company has been one of the world’s leaders in electronic and electrical market.
Features
Toshiba laptops offer complete personal entertainment solution and business functionality. Their business models features a light and thin design with high level of durability, mobility and connectivity.
On the laptop’s appearance, they started to introduce more various colors recently. Some of their models feature the EasyGrip to eliminate finger prints and a Fusion X2 finish.
Laptop Models
Qosmio – this maybe the most famous Toshiba laptop model. The Qosmio is best for gamers and high-tech programmers.
Tecra – the Toshiba Tecra features durability and mobility; ideal for techy travelers.
Satellite – The Satellite is an affordable but high-end laptop. It features a stylish design and a large memory.
Portege – Portege is perfect for travelling with its measure of 0.77 inches thin and 2.6 pounds. It features great mobile technologies such as high speed processor - Intel Pentium M Processor, Ultra Low Voltage 753 (1.2 GHz) and excellent Wireless capabilities.
Feature Software
- ReelTime – for easy navigation of recently opened files.
- Bulletin Board – photo manager
- Eco Utility – power saving
- PC Health Monitor – shows laptop’s status
Innovation
Satellite E305 features the first Intel’s wireless video technology and the improved WiDi 2.0.
Customer Satisfaction
There is a report that only a small numbers of customers who contacted Toshiba’s tech support. It is because of a small statistics of complaints and a very large number of satisfied customers.
I once used a Toshiba Qosmio and it did nothing but amazed me. Not only it bears a trusted name and a quality product, it also appears so smart, durable and techy.
4. Asus
Asus is another late-comer computer company. The Taiwan-based computer company giant only started in 1989. The name Asus was derived from the word “Pegasus”, retaining the last four letters to provide high positioning in alphabetical listings. But the newly entry company is already making waves in the market today.
Features
Asus laptops have been certified by the TCO’99, the first in the world because of the product’s low radiation, portability and longer battery life.
Feature Software
- FastBoot – configures loading programs
- Power4Gear - control of power and performance settings.
- MultiFrame – widget for organizing windows.
Innovation
The company’s latest entries features 3D with emitter and multimedia machine with Bang & Olufsen speakers; adopts USB 3.0 and introduced the Bamboo laptop.
Customer Satisfaction
Overall, Asus owners are satisfied with the brand including yours truly. I owned an Eee Pc and greatly satisfied with my laptop. Within a year of owning the laptop, I never experienced any problem with it. I also like the feel of its keys. Its design gives an impression of a high-quality laptop.
3. Lenovo
Lenovo is a Chinese computer company found in 1984. Its name “Lenovo” came from the words “Le”, means Legend and “novo”, a Latin word for “new”. Lenovo Group Limited is the largest computer manufacturer in China and in 2004, they are the third largest manufacturer in the world.
Features
Lenovo notebooks are now coming out with eye-catching chassis designs, in an effort to leave their former-conservative features. They also come with comfortable keyboards and accurate and textured touchpads and buttons.
Laptop Models
ThinkPad – this is one of the most famous Lenovo laptop models. ThinkPad was created for professionals that demands for speed, extended battery life and multiple connectivity options.
IdeaPad – IdeaPad comes in a stylish and sleek design. It’s perfect for travelers with its measure of 0.7-inches thin and 3 lbs.
Feature Software
- Power Manager – saves battery life
- Rescue and Recovery – for backing up files
- Password Manger – for storing passwords
- Facial Recognition log ons
- OneKey Recovery
- DirectShare – media sharing with networked PCs.
Customer Satisfaction
Lenovo users are satisfied with the brand. It gained a high approval on consumers and their tech support gained high ratings on customer satisfaction.
Lenovo is a decent brand for a laptop. It did great works for me and gives comfort on my hands and pleasure in my eyes. Lenovo is not all about great design but also top of the line performance.
2. Sony
Sony is a Japanese brand established in 1946. This electronic manufacturer giant is one of the leading technology innovators. They launched the first transistor radio in 1950’s, invented the color television and compressed the cassette player with Sony Walkman.
The Video Audio Integrated Operation (VAIO) has values in each letters. The V and A represents cosine waves while the I and O are the numerals one and zero.
Features
Sony VAIO features bright color design and cool patterns. Its keyboards are said to be one of the best in the field and it also has cool temperature.
Laptop Models
VAIO TX – this lightweight notebook only weighs 2.8 pounds and 1-inch thin. It is not only ultra-portable but also durable. Its elegant design adds up to its over-all quality of the laptop.
VAIO SZ – this VAIO model contains power and speed. It is cased with a light carbon fiber and has white LED backlight.
VAIO FE – FE is a VAIO model for entertainment. The 15.4 inch display laptop includes Intel Core Duo processor and XBRITE HiColor LCD technology for vibrant and rich multimedia playback.
VAIO FJ – the FJ series is also a light weight and thin laptop with web cam and microphone perfect for conferencing and chat.
VAIO FS – VAIO FS features the latest Centrino technology and includes multiformat Double Layer DVD and Widescreen displays enhanced with Sony X-black LCD technology.
VAIO AR – the Sony VAIO AR is a 17-inch display laptop with Intel Core Duo processor and Blu-Ray disc player.
Feature Software
- Remote Play/Remote Keyboard – it allows integrating with PlayStation 3 console.
- VAIO Media Gallery - photo and video manager
- Assist key – for tips and support.
Innovation
New VAIO products are coming out with an innovation with futuristic designs soon.
Customer Satisfaction
Sony VAIOS customers are generally satisfied with the brand. With a brief trial of this notebook, my first impression was the design was complicated. But I learned that VAIOS has complete function and have features that others don’t have. It’s two thumbs up for me.
1. Apple
Apple Inc. is a Multinational Corporation in America founded 1976 by Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs. We all know that Apple is one of the leading companies for technology innovation and how the former Steve Jobs did a spectacular job on lifting the company to the no. 1 spot. Today, Apple has manufactured numbers of innovative and professionally designed computer hardware and software.
Features
Apple MacBooks comes with fast SSD and long battery life. They also offer great graphics performance and impressive ergonomics. All Apple laptops contain iLife ’06 software for digital photos, movies, music and Web creating.
Laptop Models
Macbook – The Macbook is ideal for entertainment and personal use. It features a long battery life and an impressive graphics display. Macbook contains next-generation NIVIDIA GeForce and a 2.4 GHz Intel Core Duo Processor. It also features a glass Multi-Touch trackpad that allows Multi-Touch gestures, inertial scrolling and right-clicking.
Macbook Pro – the Macbook Pro features Intel Core Duo Processor, Bluetooth, Backlit keyboard, Gigabit Ethernet and remote input. It also contains dual-layer DVD burner.
iBook – the iBook is a lesser model compared to PowerBook. It is cheaper, less expandable and has lesser number of ports. It is ideal for students and young consumers.
PowerBook – the PowerBook model is available in 12-inch, 14-inch and 17-inch display. The 17-inch is one of the lightest of its size but also one of the most expensive. It has multimedia friendly features ideal for graphics work.
Feature Software
iLife is a feature that includes in all Mac laptops. It handles everything about video editing, photos, and learning to play a music instrument. Other software features includes iChat, iCal, Photo Booth and Time Machine backup software.
Innovation
- Thunderbolt Technology – allows lightning-fast data transfers
- App Store – an exclusive easy download store for Apple.
Customer Satisfaction
Apple is one of the most established brands in the world. It is very rare to find a dissatisfied Apple owner that’s why I put this brand at the top of the list.
I really admire the smart and the simplicity of designs of Mac laptops. I also like the slim and lightweight of their laptops as I like to bring my works on the road. Mac laptop also has full-load of application software and productivities. Its keyboard really feels good on my fingers. Looking and using Mac laptop is never tiring.
Popularity: 5% [?]
