Is there a correct grammatical way to state computer model number in plural form?

Question

For example if I said - >"I shipped ten Dell 360s this morning". where *Dell 360* is the model number and I don't want people to get confused by the "**s**", how should I write this? Is it more correct to mention the word laptop? For example : > "I shipped ten Dell 360 laptops today". The reason I didn't do this was because I'm not sure if they are considered laptops or notebooks etc. Could an apostrophe be used?

Answer 1

Typically when pluralizing a number, you do not need to use an apostrophe. For example, you would write "the 1990s" rather than "the 1990's."

Given the context of your sentence, it is clear that the "s" is a pluralization and not part of the model number, so I think you're fine to omit the apostrophe. If you're concerned about misinterpretation, you could always add a noun ("laptop" or "notebook" like you mention), but you would want to be sure it accurately describes the Dell 360.

Answer 2

Hi Skyler,

let me start by clarifying that notebook is simply a synonym of laptop, though laptop is the original and older term for such computers. In these cases, it is okay to use an apostrophe as it shows the reader that this letter is not part of the model name but is instead denoting plurality. Feel free to contact me if you need writing help in the future.

-Andrew