Apple
Although most of the laptop-using world has a model that runs some version of Microsoft’s ubiquitous Windows operating system, Apple keeps churning out its own laptop models year after year, and actually ends up selling quite a few of them. As of late, only two models are offered: the MacBook, and the MacBook Pro, and while they are very different than other types of laptops, there is one striking similarity, and that is in the processor.

In the past, Apple has used processors made by Motorola in all of its computers, and this worked out pretty well for them in the past. Recently however, Apple has begun equipping its notebooks with Intel processors, which have long been solely the domain of Windows-based systems. And not only that, the MacBook models only come with dual core processors. You have to get up into the high-end models of most of the other laptop manufacturers before you’ll find that kind of processing speed.

Another difference between Apple‘s laptop computers and those of its competitors is some of the peripherals that come standard on the MacBook. iSight cameras, which are tiny video cameras, are built into the display in all MacBooks. They are typically used for video chat, videoconferencing, or just taking pictures. MacBooks also come with a remote control, for use with software such as FrontRow, which is used to show photos, videos, or DVDs. And when combines with its large, 13” glossy display, the MacBook is truly a multimedia workhorse. It is the fine details such as these that set the MacBook apart from most Windows-based laptops, and is one of the reasons the company has such a loyal fan base.

One disadvantage to the brand is the price. Because there are no entry-level models available, other laptop brands can be a better deal if less computing power is needed. But if price is genuinely an issue, one could always try to find a cheap used Apple MacBook laptop. Although the company doesn’t offer refurbished Apple laptop computers, cheap used MacBooks can usually be found on any of the online auction websites.