A related aspect of this is that Apple focuses on just a handful of models while companies like HP and Dell seem to have hundreds, making it even harder to choose.

Let's say I read that the HP Xbook 2788Q is the greatest laptop ever and has perfect Linux support, and want to buy one. First of all since HP has so many different laptops, finding a store that actually carries a particular HP laptop is very tricky so it's basically impossible to get a hands on look at the laptop before buying. Then it turns out that HP doesn't sell the Xbook 2788Q in my country, they sell the (visually similar) 2789P instead. Are there any major differences? Is the reviews for the 2788P relevant? There's no easy way to tell, making it very difficult to compare and buy laptops.

Apple makes it easy, a MacBook is a MacBook all around the world so I know exactly what I'm getting.