What is the the best computer company? I mean what company makes he best longest lasting and best quality computers and laptops?

I'm gonna have to say Bob-Sama Inc.

Do think dell is a good company?

For desktops, myself. Laptops, I have to go with Apple. They make good, durable, and very efficient laptops.

I agree. My mom has a G4 iBook and it is very, very reliable. And from what I've read, their desktops are very good as well, though pricy. If you plan on getting an iMac/Mini, you might want to wait til January. The laptops just got a refresh, so you should be refresh-safe for a while.

Apple laptops are severely flawed though: I've not seen any from the past ~3 years now that have adequate cooling. They're all prone to overheating. Anyways--for desktops, the best computers are self-built and very specialized. For laptops, there are barebones available, but most manufacturers make at least a decent model. Gateway has basically the best cheap gaming "desktop replacement" laptops. I'd say Asus has the best sub-notebooks, though the medium-sized zone depends on the task you want to do. Basically name a budget and a purpose, and then look for something that fits.

Both overprice for the features they have in my opinion.

It really depends on what OS you're looking for.

I like HP or Dell for Windows though.

For Windows products, definitely HP or Dell.
For Mac, well, Macs.

But all in all, I'd say Macs win my vote. (And I'm not just an uneducated Mac fanboy.)

For reliability, Apple. Their computers are built with all their own hardware and software so it all works together, unlike Dell/HP, etc who uses hardware from different vendors and an OS from another.

For Windows desktops, building it yourself is the best solution. Apple makes the best laptops.

~Bcloutier~

~ Oh - and my MacBook stays cool enough.

I suggest a custom built computer. Much cheaper and you can customize it to meet your own needs. Ask around to see if any relatives or friends or anyone can put it together for you and call in a favour or something.

Apple overprices. Dell just suck. I'd say HP is the best but I really do recommend a custom. I'm using one from 2001 and even though its far from high tech it works relatively fast and serves my needs decently.

I have a Mac, and i've never used a PC, in-fact, i'm using my IBook right now. I have a quote for Windows: "Windows, the only operating system that makes you click 'Start' to stop." I do have a major preference to Macs though, as they are much more reliable for what I do.

Why ever turn your computer off? Crunch on the CPU and fold on the GPU 24/7. Other than that--I like the MacBook Air, the Mac Pro, and the Mac Mini. I can't stand those iMacs or the other MacBooks. They're not bad computers, but the laptops still typically lack sufficient cooling, meaning they DO have shorter life-spans than a properly-cooled system.

HP is a decent brand in my mind, not overly expensive but still good quality.

So you guys think i should get a custom built computer or a mac. What do you guys mean custom built, like add different parts from different company's?

Sort of. Basically there's a flurry of various components--processor, motherboard, RAM, graphics card, power supply, chassis, hard drive, and optical drive are the basic major components. Basically Intel v. AMD for processor, a flurry of brands for motherboard (Gigabyte, Asus, Foxconn, DFI, Biostar, Intel, JetWay, EVGA, XFX, &c.). RAM is the same (Corsair, Kingston, Super Talent, CSX, Transcend, A-Data, Patriot, G.Skill, OCZ, Mushkin, Buffalo, Crucial, &c.) with a tonne of brands. Chassis is whatever you want (common are Antec, Cooler Master, Lian-Li, and Silverstone for high-end. Another flurry of others for mid-range and low-range cases). Power supply is basically limited to some Tagan-built, Seasonic-built, and Channel Well-built, branded various ways (typically stick to Corsair or Seasonic-branded units). Hard drives are now basically Western Digitial, Seagate, and Samsung competing, since solid-state drives are a bit out of range for most people. And optical drives are "all the same"--look for SATA connection and 20x or 22x DVD+/-R burners. A few brands there, but I've never really heard of problems with off brands.

For desktops, definitely HP. For laptops, Vaios or Fujitsus are cool. For Mac, Apple are probably the best

Apple don't make hardware... they don't even assemble their own computers, i think ASUS are currently contracted to assemble macs at the moment well lats time i checked.

Best of the best would be Falcon North west in my opinion although EXTREMELY overpriced i still like their case designs. Gateway are brilliant for prebuilds. Macs only have good notebooks in my opinion, desktops are pretty horrid for the price (imac 2.4 owner).

Also custom built is the best of both worlds so yes if your into saving money go that route.

which one is better for pc's dell, mac, hp or custom built?

It all depends on what you want to use the computer for.

I like custom-built as you get more out of your buck. I find Dell fine, though.

Custom built for sure. Apple I find to be a lot more limited in customizing your PC so you don't get what you want. With companies like HP and Dell, you can change options by ordering online and get a better price for better parts.

I like HP though. Good computers for a decent price.

I agree--Gateway definitely has a lot of great low-end builds. I have been pleasantly surprised--they typically use solid stuff, and I've been very pleasantly surprised upon seeing Delta power supplies and a lack of proprietary parts. I've seen plenty of EXCELLENT refurbished units--perfect to buy and tear apart!

For a laptop, I love my Dell Inspiron. For a desktop, I've had good experience with Dells along with my custom build. Our old Gateway is pretty solid, but the Compaq (now HP) was a pile of junk with a lot of problems over the years.

Basically, best laptops are typically Lenovo, from what I've seen, heard, and used.

I'd second that. Lenovo produces great laptops, although I have also found HP and Samsung to be pretty decent.

I've heard good things about Lenovo too, but they just seem to clunky to me and lower-end material. They may be good quality machines, but they don't have the appearance to me, so I stay away from em.

They are definitely a bad decision if you find appearance important, but when it comes to being solid and durable they win against most without contest. Really it all depends what you want from your laptop.

IBM, but not anymore, since they don't make Thinkpads anymore, so I'll go with Lenovo. (laptops)
And it just has that sturdy non-glossy look.

I do think apple make some wickid laptops, the macbook 2ghz and macbook pro are fairly decent. The macbook does feel a bit tacky at times but there certainly light and portable for what they are.

I own a HP laptop the build quality is pretty top notch, aluminum keyboard and cover plastic bottom. Only problem is the battery isn't great which i find a recurring theme for most laptops. if you don't mind chunky check out sager those are some pretty hench desktop replacments lol. Gateway make awesome gamer laptops too.

My Asus EeePC is about the best there is for subnotebooks, partially because of some innovative parts you just don't find anywhere else. The multi-touch pad, for example. I'm considering selling it and replacing it with a standard EeePC 1000 40G, and then putting Server 2003 R2 on it.

Desktops: Self-Built
Notebooks: Lenovo, HP, (I'm going to say it) Apple

Honestly, I'm sure there are better laptops than all Mac computers (OS not counted), but it's just the fact that no Mac I've ever used has dissapointed me (except the Mac Classic sitting in the closet). I still have a old G4 (Not the newer ones) and it works like a charm: Still runs Tiger, not slow, compatible with all the software I want...

But once again, I'm sure people have similar stories with other makers.

It's not even that I need a fancy case or anything. The Lenovo laptops just seem too outdated and it turns me away. Like I said, I'm sure they are quality machines, but appearance is a small factor to me as well.

Desktops would definitely be self built.
Laptops: It depends on what you're looking for. I'll say Apple though.

For desktops I would build my own

For laptops id have to say acer or dell.

One thing that annoys me about some Lenovo laptops though is the fact they left out the mousepad entirely and leave you with only that little button thing in the middle of the keyboard.

I like Apple only because of its design. The hardware, on the other hand, is clearly overpriced.

Ask me, and youll get this answer:
HP rlz da market!
Apple makes a trademark that only a Mac computer can run Mac
Selfish..
They try to make money out of everything..
Overpricing, but not the best hardware?
Even when theres computers 4 times better, they sell for much more!
Also, their iPods would need some better connection solutions (no other than USB?)

Its good with upgradeable-for-free computers exist
Just buy a component, and install it yourself
Thats why i bought a cheap Compaq, upgradeable (not good quality though )

The best computer company is yourself. Just buy your parts off of newegg.com and build your own computer. It will be exactly how you want it, the cheapest you could possibly spend, and very long lasting.
Thinking about building a computer may seem hard, but I'm only 14 and I built my computer very easily.

Most of them have a touchpad too, but the 'little button thing' is easy to use after a while, I found it easier to pick up than a touchpad.


There are disadvantages to building your own computer though.

Can someone pls tell me all the parts i would need to make one like only the inside of the cpu.

I have a t60, they aren't durable.

A motherboard
A proccesor
RAM (memory)
Hard drive
Power supply
Case
CD/DVD combo drive

Video card (optional)

Example of a typical build;

A motherboard
ASUS P5Q p45 motherboard
A proccesor
intel E5400
RAM (memory)
2x2GB DDR2 G.skill
Hard drive
250GB Samsung Spinpoint
Power supply
Seasonic ES 400w
Case
CoolerMaster Centurion
CD/DVD combo drive
Samsung DVD-RW 20x

Graphics card
ATI Radeon 4850

Can you get the case from any where like best buy or newegg.com if u can can some one pls send me a link.

either site is good, but newegg.com is the best e-retailer for all the items i mentioned. If you'd like further support you may wish to post a new thread, remeber to include what the computer is going to be used and what budget you have in mind.

You may also want to get the help of resident hardware guru Bob-Sama.

*yawn* I was getting bored here too. Tore apart someone's build at HLPBB, and saved him about $200 up-front, or $800 considering how bad his PSU was.

Anyways... NewEgg is typically a fine choice. Look for free shipping though--it can be expensive to UPS a 25+ pound case. NewEgg operates in the USA, Canada, and China. BestBuy or wherever else is probably more expensive and you have tax, but you may in fact save a few dollars. Take a look around. BestBuy sometimes has a particular chassis, branded RocketFish. It's actually a Lian-Li built chassis, but I've not seen one of those in months. Compare shipping costs of whatever you're interested in compared to the in-store models. Some in-store will be worth it, others not. It all depends, so do a bit of research. Other than that, I have found XClio to be an excellent brand, and I know a number of others who have too. I'm a bit jealous of a friend of mine, who bought two Windtunnel chassis for $200 flat, but that's another story. NewEgg has 90% of whatever you want, with the notable exception of w/c parts. There, they suck.

How much do u think a good custom built computer would cost?

Depends on what you want to do with it. Post a thread if you're interested in building.

Depends.

If you're really getting the basics, 600$ or so
Getting some good parts, somewhat high-range parts. 800-900$ or so
And if anything above that is really good.

The basics: $400 shipped. (E1200, 2GB DDR2 667, G31 motherboard, 300W PSU, 250GB hard drive, Vista HP64, mATX chassis, DVD burner)
"Gaming" basics: $545 shipped. (E5200, 4GB DDR2 667, HD4670, G31 motherboard, 400W PSU, 250GB hard drive, Vista HP64, mATX chassis, DVD burner)