HP upends Apple as the most preferred PC; Microsoft, Acer plunge

Here is a 189-word summary of the news article: HP has surpassed Apple as the most preferred PC maker in the 2025 American Customer Satisfaction Survey, though overall customer satisfaction with PCs has declined slightly compared to 2024. Dell remains the most popular computer company, with a satisfaction score of 82. The survey found that while customer perceptions of computer design have improved, satisfaction with customer support and call centers remains low. Big tech firms like Apple, Microsoft, and Acer saw significant drops in their satisfaction scores, losing three points each. Tablets saw an even sharper decline, with satisfaction scores plunging from 81 in 2024 to 77 in 2025. Customers expressed the least satisfaction with computer crash prevention, software/OS features, and call-center support. The report suggests that the service experience, including high repair costs and inconsistent parts availability, may be a factor in the difference in satisfaction between desktops and laptops. Overall, the tablet category has the most room for improvement according to the survey findings.