Laptop Name Brands and What Sets Them Apart

When shopping for a laptop, shoppers are often faced with a lot of confusion. Some of the biggest laptop manufacturers divide their computers into up to six product lines whose names don’t always tell you what they do best or how much they cost. To help, Consumer Reports has compiled an overview of some of the top laptop name brands and what sets them apart.

Acer

One of the most inclusive laptop makers in the industry, Acer offers a wide range of computers to suit any budget. The company’s Aspire lineup contains everything from budget Chromebooks and 2-in-1s to high-powered gaming machines that race past $2,000 in price. The company’s mainstream, Windows-powered Aspire, Swift, and Spin lines also offer a lot of value for the money.

Lenovo

Founded in 1984, China-based Lenovo is a global conglomerate that produces desktops, laptops, and computer accessories. Its ThinkPad line of business notebooks is among the most respected in the industry, and the company’s IdeaPad laptops are a popular choice for consumers. Lenovo laptops are known for their excellent portability, durability, and performance. The company also offers a wide variety of models at reasonable prices, from basic ThinkPads to convertible tablets and high-end mobile workstations.

Dell

Another household name, Dell is an American manufacturer that offers a wide variety of laptops. Its XPS, Inspiron, and Latitude laptops are all rated highly by CR. The company’s premium line, Alienware, is a good choice for gamers.

HP

Battling with Lenovo for the biggest market share, HP makes a lot of laptops for just about any use. The company’s Pavilion and Stream laptops appeal to everyday users, while the Omen and ZBook lines cater to professionals. HP’s EliteBook laptops are also great choices for business use, with their high-quality displays and powerful processors.

Asus is a Taiwanese manufacturer that’s a bit of a David and Goliath in the laptop industry. Its ZenBooks are thin and light and a great choice for consumers who want a high-end Windows-powered machine. The company also makes gaming laptops under its Republic of Gamers, or RoG, brand. Its newer dual-screen laptops with a unique design have received good reviews. The company is also known for its bold experimentations with form factors. It was one of the first to create a laptop with a Numpad, a customizable dial, and a touchpad with an integrated keyboard. It’s also been a leader in bringing 2-in-1 laptops to the market.