Apple

Computers are still an important part of its mix, but these days music-related products are at the top of Apple's playlist. The company scored a runaway hit with its digital music players (iPod) and online music store (iTunes). Apple's desktop and laptop computers -- all of which feature its OS X operating system -- include its Mac mini, iMac, and MacBook for the consumer and education markets, and more powerful Power Mac and MacBook Pro for high-end consumers and professionals involved in design and publishing. Other products include servers (Xserve), wireless networking equipment (Airport), and publishing and multimedia software. The company's FileMaker subsidiary makes database software.

Samsung

Samsung Electronics America sells everything from computer monitors to microwave ovens, from sea to shining sea. Formed in 1977 as a subsidiary of electronics giant Samsung Electronics, the company markets a variety of consumer electronics, including TVs, VCRs, DVD and MP3 players, video cameras, vacuum cleaners, and air conditioners. Other products include memory chips (Samsung Electronics is #1 globally in both DRAMs and SRAMs) and computer accessories, such as printers, monitors, hard disk drives, and DVD/CD-ROM drives. The company manages the North American operations of Samsung Telecommunications America (mobile phones and telephony equipment), Samsung Electronics Canada, and Samsung Electronics Mexico.In the US as elsewhere, Samsung has (successfully) plowed huge sums into product design, R&D, and marketing as it tries to establish itself as one of the world's premier consumer brands