Compaq

So you want to give a desktop computer to a kid? [In a past article], I wondered whether to go used, new from a major manufacturer, or new (and relatively easy to assemble) from parts.

Before I go any further, it's worth pointing out that the price of laptop computers has fallen so low that you really don't save much money -- as used to be the case -- by opting for a desktop system.

If you're buying new, by the time you add a flat-screen monitor to your desktop PC box, you're taking about $450 minimum from Dell, Compaq, Hewlett-Packard or Acer.

Sony and three major PC makers are recalling 100,000 laptop batteries in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Lithium-Ion batteries used in about 35,000 Hewlett-Packard, Toshiba and Dell notebook computers -- as well as an additional 65,000 units sold worldwide -- are defective. Specifically, these Lithium-Ion batteries can overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers.

Hewlett-Packard will acquire computer consulting firm Electronic Data Systems for $13.9 billion, the companies announced Tuesday. The purchase moves HP closer to head-to-head competition with IBM in the IT-services business.

The acquisition -- the largest since HP acquired Compaq under the leadership of Carly Fiorina -- marks a huge expansion in HP's services business. Combined, HP and EDS did $38 billion in services business in 2007, double HP's current business. HP will pay $25 for each share of EDS common stock.

Hewlett Packard will acquire computer consulting firm Electronic Data Systems for $13.9 billion, the companies announced Tuesday. The purchase moves HP closer to head-to-head competition with IBM in the IT-services business.

The acquisition -- the largest since HP acquired Compaq under the leadership of Carly Fiorina -- marks a huge expansion in HP's services business. Combined, HP and EDS did $38 billion in services business in 2007, double HP's current business. HP will pay $25 for each share of EDS common stock.

Calling computer tech support is generally not a happy way to spend an afternoon. Except, apparently, when calling Apple.

Consumer Reports' annual reliability survey put Apple's tech support head and shoulders above the rest of the consumer PC industry. Apple solved desktop woes 81 percent of the time and laptop problems 83 percent of the time.

"Apple is again at the top of the heap with tech support," said Donna Tapellini, an associate editor at the magazine. The survey, conducted from September 2006 to January 2008, represents more than 10,000 desktops and laptops.