On Computer Brands

Look, massive computer manufacturers wouldn't get to continue being massive computer manufacturers if they had high failure rates. Most computers that you can buy out in the world are going to be pretty okay, generally speaking. Failure rates across the big three manufacturers are essentially the same and have been the same for decades, and you get a tiny bit more failure with newer brands.

THAT SAID, there are various reasons why you might want to consider or not consider various computer brands.

General Use Off-The-Shelf Computers That You Can Grab Preconfigured In A Day

Acer

Acer is a fine computer brand but difficult to get support for and if you need a warranty repair it will take a very long time.

Asus

Asus is a fine computer brand but difficult to get support for and if you need a warranty repair it will take a very long time.

They make the Tuff line of entry-level gaming laptops, which appear to be perfectly fine for many gamers.

Apple

Don't buy an Apple computer.

Dell

Dells are very reliable but use processor throttling to discourage the use of aftermarket parts.

Dell has extremely good warranty and support packages available that make them appealing to some users, though this support can be expensive.

Dell owns Alienware, which makes prebuilt gaming computers that are perfectly fine for many gamers.

Framework

Framework is fine.

HP

I do not currently support buying HP computers.

Lenovo

Lenovo makes very reliable hardware and has excellent (and affordable!) support options. Lenovo is my preferred brand of computer.

LG

LG is a fine computer brand but difficult to get support for and if you need a warranty repair it will take a very long time.

MSI

MSI makes entry-level gaming computers that appear to be perfectly acceptable. It is moderately difficult and takes a fair amount of time to get support for an MSI laptop.

Panasonic

Panasonic is a fine computer brand but difficult to get support for and if you need a warranty repair it will take a very long time.

Panasonic ToughBooks are the ultimate ruggedized laptop; they are used by people working on telephone lines and on ship decks. They are EXTREMELY GOOD ruggedized computers; they are also very, VERY expensive.

Samsung

Samsung is a fine computer brand but difficult to get support for and if you need a warranty repair it will take a very long time.

Sony

Sony is a fine computer brand but difficult to get support for and if you need a warranty repair it will take a very long time.

Some Fucking Brand that Nobody has Ever Heard of

These are your gaming computers and your no-name mini PCs and other stuff. I am very suspicious of most of these brands, mini PCs more than gaming brands.

If you aren't certain about a gaming computer, check Gamer's Nexus. If you aren't certain about a mini PC, don't buy that thing.

I add brands to this list after someone either at work or on tumblr asks me about them.

Beelink

I strongly suspect these are garbage because the entire computer costs less than you would expect to pay for a decent processor.

GMKtek

I strongly suspect these are garbage because the entire computer costs less than you would expect to pay for a decent processor.

KAMRUI

I strongly suspect these are garbage because the entire computer costs less than you would expect to pay for a decent processor.

NZXT

Seemingly reliable if not tremendously impressive prebuilt gaming rigs. Sure, fine, neat. I've sold a couple. Support sucks. Sometimes they're assembled poorly.

OnLogic

These are extremely specialized industrial computers; you probably don't need one and if you need one you'd know more about it than I would.

Velztorm

These things seem sketchy as fuck.