Should Microsoft manufacture their own laptops like Apple?

Microsoft does produce hardware. They produce the ZUNE, Surface computer systems, SYNC, Mice, Keyboards, XBOX, Webcams, Watches, etc.

I will bet you, that if Microsoft ever does make their own computers, they will be very expensive, but much, much less prone to driver issues.

For the record, most BSODs (in my experience) have been caused by driver/hardware malfunctions (or people screwing with things they don't understand), and not Windows itself. Otherwise, they're from badly written software. I've only gotten one bluescreen in the past 5 years, and that was because I screwed with my system files (I was young kid, what can I say?)

If Microsoft ever made their own computers, I would definitely get one, but it's unlikely purely because they're doing very well in the market they are in well. If things are good as they are, why risk changing?

They would have to keep them cheap. If they charged the same amount as Apple very few people would buy them. Most people if given the choice would have the Apple laptop rather than the Microsoft one. Think about it. If Apple lowered the price of all their Mac's they would outsell Microsoft.

Mainly because they don't need to.

Why spend so much money on hardware, when they already make billions from their software?

no as it would dilute the talent of engineers as there would be more sources of employment so there would be less working on one project.

I think it would be good. You don't have to get rid of HP or Sony but I think Windows might work the best on Microsoft hardware.

Given that the Xbox 360 has a 54% hardware failure rate (last time I checked), I don't think I'd want them to make their own computers.

Also -- what would happen to those of us who like to build our own custom systems?

I hope not ! Cause they will BSOD a lot. (BSOD = Blue Screen of Death)

That'd be neat if they would because then there would be less issues with compatibility.