I have several computer systems and laptops. I am using Dell and Apple brands. In apple I have MacBook , I want to say just buy and forgot, In dell I am using : Computer system: core 2 due 3.0 with gforce 1 mb graphic card. And in laptop: Dell inspiron 3520 core i3 4 gb ram, 500 gb hard. Good in use with windows 8.
Acer here just because you can get good HW for little money. The design and quality isn't that great but if you're lucky and get a good one (that doesn't blow up in the next year or so) then it's a fine computer to work with.
Sony, more specifically the Sony Vaio Pro 13, Great ultrabook! For my desktop PC its a custom built PC with an i5 2500k, 16gb ram, 2tb hdd, a gtx 560ti ( i think) and an SSD for the main OS.
Asus right now, I really enjoy the quality. I am going to get asus chromebook soon, when they release them.
I have a Lenovo laptop. I like the mobility as I write often, and this laptop gives me several hours of battery life and has a keyboard that can withstand me hammering away at it.
I have an acer laptop that is like 8 years old and is still kicking with no issues so far, I do not say acer are the best, but rather how lucky you are with the buy you did.