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
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

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.