Guide to Laptops and Custom PCs
Updated 01/12/2023
Buying Information
Also on this page:
Top Custom PC builders and Sites for Build-Your-Own Computers
Should You Buy a Prebuilt Gaming PC or Build Your Own? from How-to-Geek
Top Custom PC builders and Sites for Build-Your-Own Computers
Should You Buy a Prebuilt Gaming PC or Build Your Own? from How-to-Geek
Highly Rated Laptops - | PCMag | Tom's Guide | CNET | Laptop Mag | PC World |
Best Cheap Laptops - | PC World | Techradar | Laptop Mag | CNET |
Laptop Brands - |
Acer | 
Apple | 
Asus | 
Dell | 
Gateway | 
Hewlett Packard | 
Lenovo | 
LG |
|
Microsoft | 
Samsung |
Out-of-the-ordinary laptops:
- CraobX - Portless Ultra-Thin Light-weight Laptop
- Framework - Highly Upgradeable, Customizable, and Repairable Laptop
- Getac Rugged Laptops and Tablets
- The best Thunderbolt docks for your laptop from PCWorld
- The best USB-C hubs for your laptop or tablet also from PCWorld
Top Custom Computer Builders
Desktops and Laptops
Desktops and Laptops
- Origin PC - Origin PC offers custom-built desktop computers and laptops for gaming and professional use and all of their models are 'configurable' to match the specs you want.
- Falcon Northwest - Since 1992, High-End and high-budget quality computer systems
- Puget Systems - Founded in 2000. Offers high-end configurable systems for both gamers and professionals
- Velocity Micro - Established in 2002 and recognized for its reliable high-performance PCs
- MainGear - Founded in 2002, MainGear has a good selection of computers, laptops, and workstations for both gaming or professional use.
- Digital Storm - From 2002, they offer a range of both Laptop and Desktops for Gaming or Professional use.
- CyberPowerPC - PC builder offers a wide range of base models and configuration options. They sell both custom PCs and custom laptops
- AVADirect - Established in 2000, this Ohio-based custom PC builder offers custom PCs for both professional use and gaming
- BLD (by NZXT) - Is a popular name in PC hardware and peripherals. They offer different pre-configured builds that can be reconfigured to your liking.
- Xidax - They offer higher-end desktop, workstation, and laptop options for gaming or professional use starting at less than $600
- iBuyPower - Affordable custom PC options starting at $899
- Computer Upgrade King - a newer custom PC company with desktops starting at less than $500
- Alienware - founded in 1996 as Sakai of Miami, Inc, adopted the name of Alienware in 1997, became a subsidiary of Dell in 2006. Alienware manufactures and distributes high-performance computers built for gaming.
Sites for Build-Your-Own Custom Computers
Before going any further,
if you are planning to build, or have built for you a PC for gaming:
The best graphics cards for PC gaming from PC World
if you are planning to build, or have built for you a PC for gaming:
The best graphics cards for PC gaming from PC World
PCPartPicker
Build My PC
PC Builder - Build Your Custom PC Online
If you want to pick the parts and have someone else actually build the PC:
NZXTBld
Custom PC Builder - Micro Center
MainGear
CyberPowerPC
iBuyPower