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Who Manufactures Your Notebook?

Take a look at the brand label on your Notebook. Was it bought on the basis of brand reputation alone? If so, this would be very understandable as the big players invest heavily in winning customer trust.

Photograph showing a pair of hands typing on a laptop's keyboard

But with public sector policy to buy based on value for money criteria, you may find it worthwhile to look into just who manufacturers your laptops.

In many cases Notebooks are manufactured by Quantra, Compal or Wiston.  These three lesser known companies produce a sizeable proportion of stock on behalf of more popular brands such as Acer, Dell, Fujitsu, HP, Lenovo, NEC and Toshiba.

In addition, the LCD module fitted to the Notebook is often manufactured by less well known companies such as AUO, BOE Hydis, CMO, CPT and TMDisplay.

Most Notebooks are manufactured in Taiwan, which is responsible for 80% of total worldwide annual production.

The message for consumers is that it can pay to do your homework and to look beyond the big brands at alternatives that could be of similar quality with similar specifications – but lower prices.

Look for evidence of fitness for purpose, build a good business case and test the market.

Please email us at itfwezine@ogcbs.gsi.gov.uk if you have any feedback regarding this article.

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