By: Umar Farooq Chaudhry (SEO Specialist)

Are you in the market to buy a new laptop? Do you want to know about the top laptop brand you should choose? Are you considering Dell, HP, Apple, or Lenovo? Well, today I am going to give you a breakdown of the top laptop brands so that it’s easier for you to make an informed decision. I will list the best model from each brand together with the Pros and Cons for each brand. The first and most important thing is to understand for what purpose will you use your laptop. Will you use it for gaming, business, academic work, heavy software usage, or just for internet navigation? This information will let you decide on the top brand and specs for your model.

What makes a laptop brand better than the other? It’s all about the different models and different price ranges. Other main factors include a warranty, customer service, quality of parts, battery life, availability, design, quality of display, processing power, and portability. Also, be aware that some brands specialize in different departments like business, gaming, general-use, music, or photography.

Battery:

Laptop technology has come a long way since its beginning in 1981. Battery, CPU, Display, Hard Drive, Motherboard, and Weight can all tell a different story. Battery life is one of the main factors that lead to laptop generation. According to Wikipedia: “the heavy lead-acid batteries were replaced with lighter and more efficient technologies, first nickel-cadmium or NiCd, then nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) and then Lithium-ion battery and lithium polymer”.

Sony patented the lithium-ion battery in 1991, and it has since powered just about every consumer-oriented portable device. Based on a Forbes article, the future of laptop batteries could be Aluminum-Ion Battery, which charges up to 60 times faster than lithium-ion cells.

CPU

The most famous and best CPU company is Intel and their latest CPU is the i9 with 18 cores and 3.7 GHz. The best PC and even the best Macbooks have the i9 processors. Just for comparison the best AMD processor is the Ryzen 9 5900X and is also 3.7 GHz. Mac does have its own processor line called the M1 with 8 cores and based on Wikipedia “Apple claims that it has the world’s fastest CPU core ‘in low power silicon’ and the world’s best CPU performance per watt”. Based on the recent benchmark the i9 outperforms the M1.

LCD:

Every laptop uses LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and has two types of light sources – LED or CCFL. CCFL (cold cathode fluorescent lamps) is a lighting technology used to project an image on the LCD. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) also emit light but in a different way than a CCFL screen. Modern laptops are 1080p, which means 1920 x 1080 pixels (2k) but now there are laptop screens that are 4k (3840×2160 pixels) and even 8k (7,680 by 4,320).

The standard screen size for laptops is 13 inches but it can range from 11 inches to 17 inches. Touchscreen laptops have outstanding brightness and color fidelity, better color accuracy, and reproduction than conventional laptops. Also, most models with this feature have displays with higher resolution. 

Mac has its own screen type called Retina Display and is a brand name used by Apple for its series of IPS LCD and OLED displays that have a higher pixel density than traditional Apple displays.

Hard Drives:

SSD or Solid State Hard Drive are slowly replacing HDD or Hard Drive Disk. SSDs are often used in laptops because they’re non-mechanical. Solid-state drives consume less power and have longer battery life than traditional hard drives. While lower-cost laptops still include conventional hard drives (as one way to reduce expenses), most mid-range to high-end PCs now come with an SSD. SSD is more efficient, faster, and less likely to fail than the conventional HDD. But SDD is more expensive than HDD. SSD or HDD both have storage space these days between 128 GB to 2 TB but you should aim for between 500 GB to 1 TB for your laptop.

Motherboard:

The motherboard is more a consideration for a desktop rather than a laptop. The motherboard can be easily replaced on a desktop but not on a laptop. For a laptop, you should have at least 2 USB ports, 1 RJ-45 Port, SD Card Reader, HDMI Port, and 3.5mm Audio Jack.

Laptops come in a variety of sizes and weights. They range from roughly 2 pounds to 8 pounds. Ultrabook/Chromebook (2 – 3 pounds), Ultraportable (2 – 5 lbs), Thin and Light (3 – 6 lbs), Desktop Replacement (4 lbs), and Luggables (8 lbs). It will depend on how many times you will have to travel with your laptop. The more you will travel with it means you should get a lighter laptop. Today’s big-screen laptops are considerably more transportable than they were in the past. This is owing to improved technology and creative design, both of which result in a thin body and less bezel size.

Top Laptop Brands:

Apple

First, we have Apple which is known for its design, durability, and performance. Also, Customer support, build quality, user-friendly, power, and display are the top five categories for Apple. Apple laptops are considered a luxury because they are very expensive starting from $999. Apple’s biggest plus point is that their OS can’t be infected by viruses and have minimal errors. There are only 2 models of Mac Laptop i.e. Macbook Air and Macbook Pro. MacBook Air is Apple’s thinnest, lightest laptop with a starting price of $999. MacBook Pro is Apple’s top-of-the-line laptop that offers the best in performance and displays quality with a $1299 starting price. Now it’s well known that Mac has better battery life than pc laptops but few know the reason behind it. The real reason is that first, the OSX is more efficient than windows and also because macs have larger than average batteries for their size class.  

Pros:

• The Baseline model offers exceptional performance
• OS is extremely fast and responsive
• Exceptional battery life (9-11 hours)
• Beautiful appearance with High-Definition Screen Display
• Retina display gives unparalleled color reproduction
• Top of the line speakers
• Customer service that is exceptional
• Users may install Windows via dual boot

Cons:

• Graphics card is not made for gaming
• Higher price tag
• RAM That Isn’t Upgradable
• Limited Software Support

If you are a fan of Mac computers or looking for an alternative to Windows-based models, consider choosing from one of the Macbooks.

HP

HP is an old and well-known electronics firm that isn’t as well-known as it used to be. The finest laptops for students are made by this leading laptop manufacturer. When it comes to desktops, they still provide the most reliable machines and are widely used by gamers and professionals. HP laptops have always had a bad reputation, but the newest HP laptops have taken design cues from their competitors and really raised the bar. Their most recent laptop models are quick, powerful, and simple to use for personal projects.

The laptop series from HP, which includes the ZBook and Pro Elite, is one of the most well-known brands in the industry. Their high-end models like Spectre, Omen, and ZBook have some of the greatest features and best value for money. Their entire HP’s Spectre and Envy laptops feature gem-cut design elements and enthralling appearances, as do the rest of the HP Spectre and Envy range.

Other series include the Pavilion, EliteBook, Essentials, ProBook, Chromebooks, and more. HP is one of the top five manufacturers when it comes to customer service. You also get three years of comprehensive warranty with options for up to three years. HP is known for its style, value, customer service, reliability, and performance across its laptop lineup.  They have been around since 1939 with over 100 years of experience in making top laptops. This top laptop brand has always been one of the most reliable brands out there because it offers great prices (similar to Lenovo). HP has built a worldwide brand through its history, durability, price points, and other benefits. When you’re looking for an HP laptop, it’s simple to locate one since the company has a global presence. It makes finding spare parts easier if you have to repair them, and locating one is straightforward as well.

Pros:

• HP offers laptops for every budget
• It includes a good customer care system
• The coverage period is three years from the date of purchase, which HP covers for a complete device warranty
• On higher-end devices, AMOLED displays are common.
• Slimmest possible Convertibles
• Travel Friendly
• Well-built
• Availability

Cons:

• Sensitivity to damage
• Low Battery Life
• Periodical Updates
• Poor hardware durability
• Battery inconsistency is a problem in certain models

Dell

Next, we have Dell, which has been a top laptop brand for over two decades now and it is the top seller of laptops in US retail stores such as Best Buy and Walmart. Their technical and after-sale assistance is highly appreciated, especially by customers all around the world. The majority of Dell laptops are budget-friendly, and the majority of their design and hardware are simple and effective. However, some people dislike a straightforward appearance as a result of this, which is why others avoid buying from Dell.

This top laptop brand has been around for quite a while and continues to deliver quality laptops models to consumers. If you only want to use one brand for the rest of your life, there are several options. You can pick from four series such as Inspiron, XPS, Latitude, Precision, and Alienware. For low-cost users, the Inspiron series is an excellent option because it is suitable for basic usage as well as high-end applications. The Alienware brand, on the other hand, is aimed specifically at gamers. Also according to recent lists, Dell was one of the best-selling laptop brands in 2020.

Their laptop portfolio is virtually impossible to quantify, and the majority of their laptops feature all of the latest bells and whistles, including touchscreens, backlit keyboards, powerful CPUs, and long-lasting batteries. They have laptops for every type of user:

They have laptops for every type of user:

According to Best Dell laptop 2021 Blog:

• Best budget: Inspiron 15 (3511)
• Best for creatives: Dell XPS 15 (9510)
• Best business: Dell Latitude 15 (9520)
• Best convertible: Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 convertible (9310)
• Best performance: Dell Precision 15 (5560)
• Best 17-inch workstation: Dell XPS 17 (9710)
• Best Business 2-in-1: Dell Latitude (9420)

Also, they have very good quality parts, offer a great warranty, and great customer service. Dell laptops are great for business purposes because of the durability and flexibility in their models.  They also have top-notch security and top-of-line displays. The XPS series for Dell offers amazing displays and top performance with a lot of power in small laptops so they are perfect for gamers or video editors.

Pros:

• Ultraportable and innovative laptops
• Extensive range of laptops
• lighter laptops than other brands
• Excellent and quick customer service
• 30-day return policy
• Slenderer bezels and newer design components
• Excellent screen to display ratio
• Budget-Friendly
• Dell Latitude has 16-18 battery life
• customizable

Cons:

• The minimalist style turns off some people
• With the laptops, the firm doesn’t offer extra kits
• There are no discounts on the actual product price
• Dell laptop components are not readily available
• There may be situations that the user cannot readily remedy, requiring technical experts

Lenovo

Next up, we have Lenovo which has been around since 1984. Starting as a PC, It had a limited brand in China until its acquisition by IBM Corporation in 2005. Lenovo is a premium laptop brand that charges somewhat more than other companies. It is the top laptop brand in the world, offering top performance and value across its laptops. Their laptops are perfect for all types of tasks and can be used by anyone including professional gamers, businessmen, and college students.

They are most known for their business-class laptops, which provide not only power but also exceptional flexible design. Lenovo offers many different types of models like Yoga, IdeaPad, Thinkpad, and Chromebook. It has top-of-the-line displays, top processing power, and robust connectivity options along with top security features. The Yoga and Flex series includes some of the best portable laptops of 2020. The best model for Lenovo is the Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon and comes in at $2,000 but is the best business laptop in the market. The specs of this model are: CPU: 11th Gen Intel Core, GPU: IrisXe, Ram 23 GB, Storage: 1 TB SSD, Display: 13-inch(1920 x 1200 pixel, Size: 12.4 x 8.7 x .06 inches, Weight: 2.5 pounds.

Pros:

• Extremely durable hardware components regardless of the price bracket
• Regardless of price, the hardware components are extremely durable
• There are a variety of laptops to choose from, ranging from design and build types
• Customer care is exceptional
• A well-connected network of service centers with easy access
• To ensure that their laptops can endure dust, vibration, heat, cold, altitude, water, and humidity, Lenovo puts them to the test
• Amazingly Affordable 
• Powerful R&D means it always tries to introduce new technology Laptops

Cons:

• Bland design and structuring
• Even on mid range laptops, questionable graphic support
• Problems usually always arise after 2 years of usage
• Bad Thermal Management
• Cheap Keyboard

Acer

Acer is a Taiwanese computer manufacturer that has been around since 1976 with clients all around the world. Laptops manufactured by Acer are often the greatest value for money, and most of the time, you get what you pay for with Acer. The Acer laptops have decent battery life. Despite the low price, the Acer Laptops’ performance is outstanding. Acer is accused of flooding the laptop market with low-cost laptops and Chromebooks available for $150. Acer focuses on providing top performance for users that want speed without spending too much money. 

This company provides laptops with great graphics cards to handle heavy-duty processing while remaining fast and reliable. Acer also has a decent customer service system. Email, live chat, telephone calls, and social media sites are just a few of the channels that are used to connect with customers. Acer also provides community or forum assistance in addition to well-connected physical service stations.

Pros:

• The product variety is extensive
• Affordable and versatile laptops
• Laptops that are both affordable and versatile
• Dedicated series for high-end professional gaming
• Long battery life and Decent performance
• Portability, which is reflected in the size and weight of the laptop

Cons:

• Durability issue
• Poor warranty management
• Customer support that is not accessible

Asus

ASUS is also a Taiwanese company that focuses on top-notch quality and customer satisfaction. ASUS laptops are known for their low costs, which is due to the fact that they create their own motherboards in-house. Their mini-laptops and Chromebooks are known for being the best budget-friendly machines. ASUS produces laptops for many purposes including gaming, business, home use, multimedia entertainment, engineering students, etc. 

The ZenBook series of laptops by Asus provides top performance with an elegant design at affordable prices. This brand offers top-performing devices in the budget range.

The ASUS Zenbook 13 features one of the most unique and appealing looks we’ve seen, as well as a great 1080p screen and exceptional battery life. The ASUS laptops offer outstanding performance, full HD displays, and over four hours of battery life, proving that ASUS takes the user’s experience into consideration. They use excellent quality material, whether you’re looking at their laptop for less than $300, and they apply the same design logic to all of their products.

They also offer unbelievably powerful gaming laptops thanks to their ASUS ROG series and these days most of the gamers prefer ASUS ROG over MSI and Alienware machines. ASUS offers powerful gaming laptops because of their ASUS ROG series. ASUS ROG laptops are known for their incredible strength and fast performance. ASUS provides quick after-sales assistance to customers. You can talk to the technical staff by phone, email, live chat, and other means. Furthermore, there are several service centers that specialize in servicing laptops. It also comes with a free accident or spill protection plan on certain laptops.

Pros:

• Screen-to-body ratio and Fantastic displays
• Design elements that are Innovative
• Complementary accident protection
• Dedicated lineups for a superior gaming experience
• Few convertibles on offer
• Asus laptops are inexpensive and do not sacrifice their efficiency over price
• Touchable LCD Screens specially designed to respond to touch gestures

Cons:

• Heavy Laptops
• Low Battery life
• Dull Design 
• In certain regions, Asus still lacks an appropriate number of service centers

I am sure you have found this article helpful in selecting the top laptop brand for your needs. Remember the most important thing in selecting your right brand is to understand what you will use it for. If you are looking for top performance at an affordable price, I would recommend ASUS. However, if you need to use your device for heavy-duty work and long periods of usage then Lenovo is the right brand to go with. If you want quality display and durability then you should go with Macbook either Pro or Air; depending on your budget.

You can always contact us, if you need further assistance or want more advice before making a purchase decision, we will be happy to help! We, at Geeks & Wireless, can help you transfer data from your old laptop to your new laptop at an affordable price. Also, we will be glad to install custom software.

Read our other blog:

https://geeksandwireless.com/custom-built-computers-explained

Umar is a graduate of George Mason University, Virginia, USA. He dabbles in content creation and learning SEO on the side. When he’s not busy using his creative ink, Umar likes to Ski and play tennis.