* * * * * * * * * * DELL * * * * * * * * * *
Dell wants its name to ring from the desktop to the data center. One of the world's top suppliers of PCs, the company offers a broad range of technology products for the consumer, education, enterprise, and government sectors. In addition to a full line of desktop and notebook PCs, Dell offers network servers, data storage systems, printers, Ethernet switches, and peripherals, such as displays and projectors. It also markets third-party software and hardware. The company's growing services unit provides infrastructure consulting, systems integration, asset recovery, financing, support, and training.

* * * * * * * * * * ACER * * * * * * * * * *
Acer has more than one PC brand up its sleeve. The company is a leading manufacturer of notebook, desktop, and netbook computers. Other Acer products include servers, storage systems, smart phones, projectors, LCD televisions, digital cameras, and computer displays. The company also provides IT support services, and its Acer eDC facility is the largest stand-alone data center in Asia. Acer, which outsources its manufacturing, sells through resellers and distributors worldwide. In addition to Acer-branded equipment, the company oversees the Gateway, eMachines, and Packard Bell brands.

* * * * * * * * * * APPLE * * * * * * * * * *
Apple aims for nothing short of a revolution, whether in personal computing or digital media distribution. The company'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 Mac Pro and MacBook Pro for high-end consumers and professionals involved in design and publishing. Apple scored a runaway hit with its digital music players (iPod) and online music store (iTunes). Other products include mobile phones (iPhone), servers (Xserve), wireless networking equipment (Airport), and publishing and multimedia software. Its FileMaker subsidiary provides database software.