Purchasing a computer in the 1990s or early 2000s might have been considered a luxury for many households, but now it is an integral asset.
Whether it is used for professional or leisurely purposes, a desktop or laptop that operates well from the moment it is purchased to the time it is replaced is paramount.
That places the emphasis firmly on reliability. Just how much can you bank on your computer not shutting down unexpectedly or incurring viruses that forces you to reboot altogether?
You want to have the capacity to send emails, stream videos and peruse the Internet without any hassles or hidden features that slows down performance.
Throwing a blanket over individual brands might not be the field of exact science, yet the likes of Apple, Dell and Toshiba have entrenched themselves as efficient retailers who look after customers.
From IT experts to mums and dads at home, these are the 6 most reliable computer brands in the marketplace today.
1. Toshiba
With desktops and notebooks on the decline as laptops and tablets become the device of choice, Toshiba has somehow bucked the trends of making computers that are disposable.
Many operators are manufacturing laptops that place a preference on being thin, light and easy to maneuver. A Toshiba computer is designed to last, something that should not be overlooked in the current market.
According to SquareTrade’s internal 2012 study, they discovered that Toshiba-branded computers (15.7%) rank higher for durability to break less often than many of their competitors. This includes Sony (16.8%), Apple (17.4%), Dell (18.3%), Lenovo (21.5%), Acer (23.3%), Gateway (23.5%) and HP (25.6%).
The Japanese conglomerate have also enjoyed an Australian presence domestically to offer continual customer service support for local consumers.
Toshiba computer types:
- Satellite Pro
- Tecra
- Portege
- dynaEdge
2. Asus
Affordability is a major asset in Asus’s favour, but they also happen to curate computers that strike the right balance between innovation and reliability.
This brand will showcase gaming laptops for those that like to explore that world, yet their bread and butter offering via the Zenbook is considered one of the best in the industry.
Asus computer types:
- Asus Zenbook UX330UA
- Asus VivoBook E403NA
- Asus Chromebook Flip C302CA
- Asus ROG Zephyrus
- Asus Transformer Pro (T304UA)
3. Dell
Dell’s new 2017 XPS models have been heralded for their compatibility, specs and overall operating system. The computer giant has prided itself on their customer service and via the Dell Inspiron 13 7000 2-in-1, the beautiful aesthetic meets the tangible requirements for the user.
Dell computer types:
- Dell Inspiron 11 3000 Series
- Dell XPS 13
- Dell Inspiron 13 7000 2-in-1
- Dell XPS 15 Touch
- Dell Chromebook 3189
- Dell Latitude 14 7000
- Dell Latitude 5285
4. HP
HP is ideally manufactured for companies and organisations that want a professional operating system. If you are after computers that come with more bells and whistles, then this probably isn’t the brand for you as they generally cater to businesses over the general consumer.
HP creates sturdy and efficient machines that has more speed and features than many would consider when the name “HP” comes up.
HP computer types:
- HP Pavilion
- HP Pavilion Slimline
- HP Pavilion HPE
- HP Pavilion HPE Phoenix
5. Lenovo
Ending 2017 as the number one computer brand for laptopmag.com, this brand has ticked almost every conceivable box on the reliability scale.
By updating their customer support as well as implementing laptops that have ultra-strong battery life and sleek designs, they have deservedly risen up the rankings and estimations by the experts.
Lenovo computer types:
- Lenovo ThinkPad E470
- Lenovo Yoga 720
- Lenovo IdeaPad 120S
6. Apple
There is more than one reason why Apple holds a complete monopoly over the computer market. The American giant has been a market leader in this domain for decades and their innovation has put them on the cutting edge from consumers since the 1970s.
Today you can purchase a MacBook or iMac Pro safe in the knowledge that the inbuilt software is catered to users who are after the basics done right.
Ranking number one for customer service by Consumer Reports (86/100), even those minor issues that arise can be dealt with easily.
Unless you are wanting to install some intricate software that is not Apple-friendly, this brand can work for households as a one-stop-shop for all your computing needs.
Apple computer types:
- Mac Pro
- iMac Pro
- iMac
- MacBook Pro
- MacBook
- MacBook Air