Apple Computer, Inc (AAPL) and Dell Inc (DELL) have extremely different approaches to making computers, and have had extremely different returns for shareholders over the past year. To be clear, just take a look at the comparison chart of AAPL vs. Dell over the past 12 months and you'll see what I mean:

As you can see, for the last year AAPL has been performing well, while DELL has struggled in a big way. Is Apple just a fad, basking in the glory of the iPod or is there reason to believe that Apple's success may have deeper roots?

Here are four reasons I believe AAPL will continue to outperform DELL well into the future:

They make a better computer. When is the last time you heard someone say "Now that I've switched from Apple to a Dell, I'll never go back"? Despite a lifetime of sticking to DELL and Microsoft (MSFT) powered PCs, I'm starting to think my next computer will be an Apple. I'm willing to pay a little extra for the simplicity and the absolutely revolutionary concept of owning a computer that doesn't crash or get infected! From the looks of the chart above, I doubt I'm alone. Quick note to Microsoft: I haven't written you off just yet, but Vista better be amazing!

They figured out the target market. Apple is making major inroads with young people by focusing on the entertainment and social aspects of computing. Dell makes a computer like a toaster -- a bunch of parts that work together when you plug it in, but nothing really fantastic. On the other hand, Apple makes products that people involve in their lives. Put the DELL box under the desk in the upstairs office, leave the Macbook out for everyone to see.

Why is this important when DELL is still selling by the truckload to office complexes everywhere? Because the young podcasters of today are the IT managers and decision makers of tomorrow.

Apple has a personality: Their ads are cool and funny. Their products are simple and they "just work". Apple is no longer the brand of just "photo-guys" and Volkswagon drivers.

Bottom line: AAPL stock is likely still a little overpriced here and DELL is getting close to fair value. Neither one of them stands out as a great short-term trade to me here just yet, but for longer term investments, I'm buying Apple (both their computer and their stock).

eBay Inc (EBAY) has formed a descending triangle. The triangle is approximately two thirds complete, meaning we should see a break out soon. A bearish breakout would mean a move through the 30 support level. A bullish breakout occurs if EBAY moves through the down trend line resistance. With descending triangles, a breakout on the bearish side is the typical outcome. Expect a move in the amount of $1.25 after the break out occurs.

Hewlett Packard (HPQ) has done well over the past few days, but gave back some of its recent gains in Tuesday's trading session. The stock opened weak, gained upward momentum, then began trending lower. After bottoming out at 32.63, HPQ was able to break through down trend line resistance. Resistance was met at 32.90, a point at which HPQ was unable to break.

I will keep a close eye on the 32.90 resistance level. Price action at this point will give a good indication as to the short term direction of the stock.

Andy Swan is co-founder and head trader for DaytradeTeam.com.  To get all of Andy's day trading, swing trading, and options trading alerts in real time, subscribe to a one-week, all-inclusive trial membership to DaytradeTeam by clicking here.