Which Laptop Brands are More Reliable?

Consumer Reports publishes an annual survey which answers these questions and more. The highly respected, advertiser-free product research and testing firm has long surveyed over 43,000 computer owners, tallying what brands they buy; how often they have "serious" problems which require repair; and how they rate the vendors' technical support programs. Here is a snapshot of the 2010 laptop owner survey:

Windows users find that Toshiba and Acer are tied as the most reliable brands for laptops, based on how often owners reported experiencing "serious Problems" with their laptop. In the 13 and 14-inch screen size category, Consumer Reports gives the nod to three Toshiba models as "Best Buys." For around $700 you can get a 13-inch Toshiba Portege laptop (rated as "excellent"), or $400 will buy you a Toshiba Satellite (rated "Very Good"). The 14-inch Toshiba Satellite costs a lot more at $750 but is rated "Excellent" in performance. Moving up to the 15 and 16-inch categories, the Acer Aspire gets an "Excellent" rating, and costs just over $600.

The survey also highlighted several Apple laptop computers, including the 13 inch Macbook Air (about $1,300) and the 15 inch Macbook Pro ($1,500). The top overall rating of 80 out of 100 went to the 17 inch Macbook Pro, which also tops the price charts at $2,300. To see all of the ratings and reviews in the laptop owner survey, you'll need to subscribe to Consumer Reports online.