Dell laptops are the most popular portable based on North American sales. Acer laptops have more recently come on the scene and have taken a good piece of the portable computer market. Both manufacturers make a wide range of models in all price ranges and sizes.
Dell of course has a long term reputation as a maker of quality laptops and ownership of a Dell is the desire of many laptop users. Acer came on the scene a lot later than Dell but have quickly established themselves as suppliers of very good, low cost, laptops which budget minded buyers have found ideal for their needs.
Dell laptops range from the low end budget priced models which can now be purchased for under $ 500 to top of the line blazing fast big screen monsters which are the desire of gamers and others who need, or simply want, the fastest and largest laptop available. Acer has expanded their line into the high end market laTely and also supply laptops with Intel Duo Core processors and big screens.
How should you choose between Dell and Acer laptops? One of the best features of the Dell laptop is the choice of components available. When you buy a Dell computer you are asked to choose which components you would like to have installed in your machine. The computer is then built to your specifications and delivered by mail with no shipping charge. The Acer on the other hand comes with no choice of components. What you see in the computer store is what you get. The one major benefit of the Acer laptop is a very good price.
So you can take your choice. Buy a Dell and custom pick all the features you want. Choose your graphic card, amount of RAM, type of DVD / CD burning drive, size of hard drive and so on. The list of choices is very large. You end up with a true custom machine built to your specifications.
Buy an Acer laptop and you do not have this kind of choice. In fact buy any other brand of factory built laptop and you do not have this kind of choice. You may have a somewhat lower price than the Dell however. If price is very important then the Acer may be the machine for you. The Acer is in fact a very popular machine with price conscious buyers.
So there you have it. Both Dell and Acer laptops are made in a range to fit all needs and all pocket books. This writer's choice is the Dell due to the great choice of available components. If this is not of great importance to you then you may save a few dollars by purchasing an Acer laptop. If you are really budget conscious then you might consider buying a used laptop. A great selection of Dell used laptops in particular is always available if you know where to look.