There are a lot of choices out there when it comes to computer brand names. Any number of features are available for desktop and laptop computers, not to mention a long list of accessories. It’s best to start by reading information on name brand computers, such as custom reviews and expert ratings, to determine the brands that best fit your needs. Then move on to product feature comparisons.

However, an important factor in determining which computer brand to purchase is your budget. One computer brand might be more expensive than another, but both may provide the features you need. Keep the following in mind as you look at computers by brand pricing and costs:

1. Brand name computers are your best bet for a quality product you can rely on.

2. Other consumers are your best resource for an accurate assessment of a brand name computer.

3. Consider purchasing a unit from a name brand computer retailer rather than directly from the manufacture to save money.

Action Steps
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Start your search for computers by brand with Hewlett-Packard

HP is quite possibly one of the most widely known computer brands available on the market. They not only offer desktops and laptops, but a number of accessories and other electronics.

I recommend: Desktops and all-in-one PCs directly from Hewlett-Packard Development range from $300 to $1,200. Get HP notebooks from Staples for $650 to $1,700.

Customize your Dell computer brand system

Dell is known for offering inexpensive computers custom built to fit your specific needs. They're also known for building high-quality desktop and laptop computers.

I recommend: Dell desktops start as low as $300 on their website. While they aren’t custom built, you can purchase Dell laptops from Best Buy for $500 to $1,100.

Buy from a popular laptop computer brand, Lenovo

Lenovo, best known for it's ThinkPad series of laptop computers, has become a very popular industry brand. Lenovo has taken over IBM's PC division and the company's ThinkPad line of laptop computers.

I recommend: Visit Office Depot for ThinkCentre desktops from $500 to $800. Lenovo notebooks range from $400 to $2,000.

Purchase a Mac from the only computer brand that makes them

Apple has more expensive products that run differently than most other PCs, but have a reputation for providing a computer that is more reliable and less susceptible to viruses.

I recommend: The Apple Store has iMac desktops starting at $1,200. MacConnection offers MacBooks for $1,000 to $2,500.

Find Panasonic laptop name brand computers

You might recognize the Panasonic name because of your television. In the computer market, Panasonic manufactures laptops exclusively.

I recommend: Buy Tough is a Toughbooks distributor, offering the products from $1,700 to $4,000. You can also purchase Toughbooks, like this new W8 starting at around $2,300, through Portable Computer Systems.

Locate brand name computers like Toshiba

Just like Panasonic, Toshiba focuses on laptop computers, such as the Portege, Satellite and Tecra notebooks.

I recommend: You can find Toshiba laptops at Radio Shack ranging from $600 to $2,700. Newegg also carries the Toshiba brand, with basic laptops starting at $400 and fully loaded units at around $3,700.

Brand name computers typically have a stronger reputation than lesser-known varieties. Many business owners look through the different brand name computer manufacturers and decide on the one that suits their networking needs the best.

Many business owners wonder why they should buy name brand computers instead of lesser known brands. To start, with brand name computers, you know your investment’s better protected. Major computer companies offer better warranty coverage and easier repair service.

1. Compare the different computer name brands. Top makers of desktops and laptops include HP, Toshiba, Sony, Dell and Gateway.

2. Narrow down your choices by looking at the different models available through the company. For example, you may like the laptops from Compaq better than the Toshiba notebooks.

3. Buy from a name brand computer retailer. After you search for computers by brand and narrow down to a select few, you can start comparing prices from available retailers of the specific models.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Read the specs from computer name brands

Get the latest information on brand name computers. You can research the different memory, processing speeds, connectivity and gaming cards of each brand name computer. Use this information to make an informed decision about your purchase.

I recommend: Through the Online Computer Buying Guide, you can learn more about desktops and laptops available from name brand computer companies. Companies featured on the site include Gateway, HP, eMachines and Compaq. Cyberwalker offers you some insight into the benefits of buying a well known computer brand.

Make side by side comparisons on name brand computers

Many people looking for a name brand computer will use online comparison shopping tools to help them make a decision. Through these sites, you can compare the prices, reviews and capabilities of most major brand names of computers.

I recommend: Use Cnet to not only locate a name brand computer retailer, but also to make side by side comparisons of the different brand name laptops and desktops available. You can find similar tools through BizRate.

Locate brand name computers

After you've done your research, you can go through the purchasing process. Since you may wish to order the name brand computers for your entire office, you want to find the best deal possible.

I recommend: Through Tiger Direct, you can shop for computers by brand. Featured brand name desktops and laptops on the site include HP, Sony and Compaq. If you want access to both name brand computers and parts, browse the selection at Discount PC.

Go straight to the manufacturers of name brand computers

Though you will likely not find good deals when you buy straight from the manufacturer, you do have the comfort of knowing your purchase is warrantied from a reputable company.

I recommend: HP, Toshiba, Sony, Dell and Gateway all sell their name brand computers on their websites.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Although lesser-known computer brand names may cost less initially, you may end up spending more in the long run. With a brand name computer, you'll pay less on accessories and repair costs since parts are more readily available.

One of the most difficult processes facing a business owner is comparing computer brand names and deciding which manufacturer or computer model to go with. With so many factors to consider, there is no shame in seeking outside assistance to help you make an informed, intelligent decision.

There are numerous resources available to you that can help you make the right choice for your business. The following resources will break down computers by brand advice and ratings:

1. Visit popular consumer review platforms to read user reviews of brand name computers.
2. Find the best information on brand computers at consumer report sites.
3. Consult electronics review sites for information on brand computers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Search for computers by brand on popular consumer review platforms

Consumer review platforms are a great source of unbiased advice on a variety of products. Because the sites themselves don't decide what is or isn't posted, you gain access to the unvarnished truth--reviews posted by business consumers like yourself that have nothing to lose by being brutally honest.

I recommend: Epinions.com allows you to find and compare name brand computers based on a number of different variables. You can search reviews of computers by brand, price, family line, optical drive type and installed RAM. Ciao.com, although a relatively new competitor to Epinions, has a robust, useful interface. From the computer review landing page, you can select which brand of laptop, desktop, tablet PC or server you would like to research. Once you select a brand, you can view your results by price, product rating, display size, installed RAM, hard drive capacity and popularity.

Find computers by brand on the best consumer report sites

As opposed to consumer review platforms, which are fueled by user reviews, consumer report sites rely primarily on their own in-house expert reviewers and internal testing processes. The most widely recognized and long-standing provider of this service is Consumer Reports. They have the largest independent consumer testing lab in the world.

I recommend: Consumer Reports, put out by the Consumer Union, allows you to choose reviews by both laptop computer brand and desktop computer name brands. The site does require a subscription fee of about 2 dollars a month for more than just basic advice. ConsumerSearch is a consumer report site analyzes product trends, developments and expert reviews to help you locate brand name computers for your office. They have an excellent overview of the best desktop computers, as well as the best budget desktop computers.

Visit technical review sites for more specific information on brand computers

Technical review sites can give you a different information angle when choosing a computer brand. Their expert reviews are usually people that work in the computer industry, and the reviews themselves can be more technically oriented. This might be just the ticket if you're trying to dial in on the specifics of a particular computer brand.

I recommend: CNET Reviews, hosted by CBS Interactive, specializes in electronics reviews. They have a hybrid review structure that showcases both expert reviews and user reviews. You can browse the laptop or desktop computer categories by manufacturer, price and other qualifiers like weight, screen size or processor speed. Personal Electronics Buzz is a social networking site for personal electronics enthusiasts. Join, share your opinions on electronics, and find the buzz on the different brand name computers you are interested in.

Computers come in all shapes and sizes. Larger mainframes and network servers have more processing power and cost more than desktop or laptop computers. Smaller personal digital assistants are less powerful and expensive.

Some manufacturers, like Hewlett-Packard and Dell, have succeeded as makers of several kinds of computers, while companies like Palm and IBM have settled into one specific niche.

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Mainframe computer

A mainframe computer is a powerful computer with many terminals hooked up to it. As computer technology evolves, companies are phasing out more and more mainframe computers in favor of network servers. IBM makes many of the mainframes in use today.

I recommend: Find a glossary of computer terms, including the definition of a mainframe, at Geek.com.

Server

A server is the main computer in a network. Often a network server is where the client computers store their data. You can use a regular desktop computer as a server for a small network, but larger companies will computers use specifically made for network servers.

I recommend: Check out a glossary of computer terms, including server, at Tutorials Point.

Personal computer, desktop computer

A personal computer, or PC, generally refers to a desktop computer. Only one user can work on it at a time. Mostly, the term PC includes computers modeled after the original IBM personal computer, though many brands make them. Popular brands of personal computers include Dell, Hewlett-Packard and Acer.

I recommend: Find a definition of personal computer, along with a labeled illustration, at WebMediaBrands.

Laptop or notebook computer

The words laptop and notebook computer are interchangeable and refer to a portable computer that has a screen, keyboard and touchpad built together with the processor and other computing parts. Many manufacturers of desktop PCs also make laptops. Lenovo, Sony, Toshiba, Asus and Apple are popular laptop manufacturers.

I recommend: Find reviews and buyers guides regarding laptop computers at CNET.

Tablet PC

A tablet PC is a subset of notebook computers that has a special kind of screen. The screen is touch sensitive and often swivels around, so it can lie flat and cover up the computer's keyboard. Popular tablet PC brands include Toshiba, Fujitsu, Lenovo and Hewlett-Packard.

I recommend: Read a definition of tablet PC on the Wireless Glossary at DevX.com.

Personal digital assistant, PDA

Personal digital assistants, usually called PDAs, are handheld computers. Popularized originally by Palm, many other companies now make PDAs, including Hewlett-Packard, BlackBerry and Apple. Some manufacturers combine the functions of a PDA with a phone, called smart phones.

I recommend: Check out an explanation of personal digital assistants at TechTarget.