Choosing Brands

Why do we choose the brands we choose? Can it merely be attributed to an attractive logo, catchy jingle, or enticing advertising campaign? Or is it something more? When I think of computers, televisions and cars, my brain automatically cues up Apple, Toshiba, and Honda … three brands I’ve had great luck with over the years (knock wood). But what if your favorite vendor doesn’t offer what you need?

I admit to being a regular reader of Consumer Reports. While I’m not always convinced by what they write on any given topic, there’s one thing I put weight on: the reader surveys. Don’t ask me how the Toshibas rate amongst their peers, but I can tell you that the Apples and Hondas do rather well with regards to reliability and customer satisfaction.

A cloud lifted when the word broke that the new Intel-powered Macs will run Windows XP in addition to OSX. Sorry Dell and Gateway … my next PC will most likely be an Apple. These are indeed interesting times, indeed.

But that flat-screen HDTV I (still!) dream of? There’s a good chance it won’t be a Toshiba … I’m just not keen on their flat screens.

I’m currently leaning in the direction of the HP HDTV offerings. I’ve already mentally transferred my appreciation for HP laser printers to their plasmas (never mind their inkjet cartridges).

I love my Hondas, but I’m bummed that they don’t sell a fuel-sipping diesel here in the states yet. Our next car needs to get great gas mileage … even better if it helps reduce our dependence on imported oil by burning domestically-produced biodiesel. But seeing that Honda won’t be bringing their nifty diesels into the states until late in the decade, I may end up with a Volkswagen in the meantime.