If you are running an online company, it’s critical that you have a reliable computer. If your computer goes down and you can’t write or place ads, if you can’t respond to orders or inquiries, even if you can’t check your email, that’s a big setback.

Some people treat their computers like they treat their cars, replacing parts whenever something breaks, and staying with what they have. Around here we keep ours 6-7 years. However, no matter how frequently you upgrade, eventually you must upgrade.

Maybe you are at the place where you need a new computer. You want to get one that serves your needs and is likely to last as long as you plan to use it.

PC Magazine. has just released an article about the latest marketplace results for personal computers. It starts with this unsurprising finding:

When choosing your next computer, whether it’s for personal use or work, you’re likely going to look at a few familiar brands: Apple, Asus, Dell, HP and Lenovo. After all, these five companies accounted for more than 84 percent of the PCs sold in the United States in the fourth quarter of 2015, according to research firm Gartner.

There’s something to be said for focusing your research on these 5 big brands. They are big today because through the years they have been satisfying their customers, who keep coming back.

On the other hand, there are some smaller computer manufacturers that are also doing good work. They deserve a look, too.

PC Magazine conducted a survey of their readers, who tend to be a bit more tech-savvy than most, to find out their experience with computers and the support manufacturers give their buyers.

Some key findings:
• The best rated laptop is Apple. Sony and Toshiba were tied for the lowest ratings.
• The best rated desktop also is Apple. The lowest rated is Acer.

These ratings vary a bit based on the category of users. For example, there are ratings by home uses that differ a bit from the overall ratings.

You can read the whole article and see all the rating information here: Readers’ Choice Awards 2016: Laptops and Desktop PCs. You may find this helpful in your own decision making.

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