Apple continues to hold first place in tracking conducted by the American Consumer Satisfaction Index, says Fortune. The company has scored 84 out of 100 in a 2009 study, leaving it in a dominant position over rival computer builders. It has also dropped a point since 2008 however, when it achieved its highest-ever score.

Overall satisfaction with American computers has risen a point to 75, mainly with the help of brands like Gateway, HP and Compaq. Compaq's score has jumped 5.7 percent to 74, putting it on par with parent company HP, as well as the Acer-owned Gateway. Gateway has climbed 2.8 percent, and HP has inched ahead 1.4 percent. Dell remains the leader amongst Windows-based computer manufacturers, holding steady at 75 points.

Compaq's ascendancy is attributed to the global recession, which has prompted HP to produce more models for the lower-end brand. Sales of the systems are noted to be up in general, and HP's share value is said to have doubled relative to the market since the beginning of the year. Notably absent in ACSI rankings are IBM and Packard Bell, which have ceased to be players.