Computers are worse than cars when it comesto depreciationand obsolescence.
Yet, for all this, theyre one of the most important purchases youll make.
Trying to keep up with exactly whichlaptop modelsare good will take years off your life.
via cnet.com
Different benchmarks and different needs for different types of users all combine to confound the average buyer.
Each one consistently makes durable, reliable products, and offers a solid warranty should defects creep in.
As of publication, this is our gun-to-the-head, desert-island (with WiFi) choice.
Asus
Asus was long confused for Acer by consumers, which poisoned the company.
The difference is, Asus knows when its trimming fat or gristle, and when its hacking offsavory flesh.
Dont let low prices frighten you off, as the models arent cheap theyre merely inexpensive.
Luckily, youll rarely need to reach out and touch them.
Lenovo is what wed pick up if money were no object.
Dell
Dell has become the Toyota of the laptop world.
It has a large and compelling lineup of products, which works for and against the brand.
As with Toyota, for every Corolla or Camry, theres a Highlander or Tundra to disappoint buyers.
Youll get both the best in the business, and some of the weakest gear from a big name.
Dell also has a broad infrastructure, which gives them a lot of customer care and warranty options.
Like the computers, this experience leaves some in love, and others in loathing.
Do the research, get the right model, and youll live happily ever after.
Largely, its a lot of boring, uninspiring, workable, but not best of anything computers.
Like Raisin Bran or Wheat Thins, theyre fine.
That is, until you get into their Ultrabooks.
The high-end of HP seems utterly divorced from its humdrum middle ground.
They have the sleek, slim, svelte appearance that makes HP products look better than they are.
The difference is these actually do the work.
Buy anOmen 17orSpectre x360and youll be getting gorgeous looks, screaming speed, and reliability.
Aim at much else and youll be shruggingly content.
Apple
Consumer groups are split on Apple.
Macbooks consistently took the top spots for specs and reviews of the much-ballyhooed Consumer Reports.
But, that was then.
Apple has now become a luxury brand without reliability commensurate with its weighty, woeful cost.
iPhones might not explode, but they certainly dont dazzle, either.
Apples laptop offerings are no better.
Theyre very pretty, but chocked full of proprietary connectors and dongles and B.S.
that wring your screaming wallet dry.
