Hot Tech Stock Picks to Buy Now - AAPL, MSFT, BTN, MRVL, VIT, HPQ, STM

For tech stock investors, this week heralded the end of an investment era as Apple Inc. (AAPL) briefly overtook Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) as the most valuable technology company in the world. As of this writing, Microsoft stock has rallied to close the gap and retake the lead, but the iPad and iPhone maker is not far behind. The tally right now is Apple at #2 with a market cap of $228.1 billion compared with a Microsoft market cap of $228.7 billion.

Regardless of whether you’re a “Mac or a PC,” all investors have to admit that this battle of the tech stock giants has created countless investment opportunities in recent years. From server makers to software companies to semiconductor stocks, a host of companies are being lifted by the 21^st century tech boom. Microsoft and Apple are just the tip of the iceberg.

To help you hone in on the best tech stocks to buy right now, here are 5 different InvestorPlace expert stock picks in the technology sector:

Tech stock pick to buy now – Ballantyne Strong (BTN)

Stock Pick from: Nancy Zambell, editor of Treasures Under $10
Trading Strategy: Fundamentally strong yet undervalued companies

Ballantyne Strong Inc. (BTN) is a leader in the transition to digital and 3-D theater technology. It is not a huge company, but their workforce in Omaha is honed and dedicated. its theatre segment, which accounts for nearly all of Ballantyne Strong’s revenue, BTN produces digital and film projectors, screens and accompanying systems. Ballantyne can completely outfit a theater, from top to bottom, and is becoming a one-stop shopping mall for folks who want to get a movie theater up-and-running, or to retrofit an older establishment with digital or 3-D technology. The stock has more than doubled so far in 2010 and is still looking red-hot.

Tech stock pick to buy now – Marvell Technology (MRVL)

Stock Pick from: Louis Navellier, editor of Blue Chip Growth
Trading Strategy: Large-cap growth stocks

Marvell Technology Group Ltd. (MRVL) manufactures data storage and broadband communications gear. As a “fabless” semiconductor company, Marvell designs and sells hardware, but outsources the actual fabrication of the devices to keep down costs. Marvell is a global player, deriving more than 80% of its revenue from Asia, though it relies on just a few customers like Western Digital (WDC), Toshiba and Samsung for the bulk of its sales traffic. Marvell Technology earnings recently impressed Wall Street when its net income came in at $205.8 million, or $0.30 per share, compared with a loss of $111.5 million, or $0.18 cents per share, a year earlier. Marvell Technology sales also rose 64%to $855.6 million from $521.4 million a year earlier.

Tech stock pick to buy now – VanceInfo Technologies (VIT)

Stock Pick from: Robert Hsu, editor of China Strategy
Trading Strategy: The hottest Asian stocks

Based in Beijing, VanceInfo Technologies (VIT)has been around since 1994, making it a pioneer in the Chinese outsourcing industry. Over the years, it has grown to become the largest and most successful IT outsourcing company in China. And, as a result, VanceInfo was the first and only China software development outsourcer listed on the New York Stock Exchange when it went public in December 2007. The listing has given it credibility in front of U.S.-based customers. As companies look to reduce costs but maintain service and growth as the economy recovery, VanceInfo will play a vital role. The stock is up over 15% year-to-date as of this writing.

Tech stock pick to buy now – Hewlett-Packard (HPQ)

Stock Pick from: Richard Band, editor of Profitable Investing
Trading Strategy: Low-risk retirement investing that beats the market

A bold takeover bid for Palm, Inc. has catapulted Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) into booming smartphone field and investors would be wise to take notice HPQ isn't a pricey stock like Apple Inc or Google Inc. (GOOG), which currently dominate the smartphone market with their respective iPhone and Android handsets. At about 13X estimated year-ahead earnings, Hewlett-Packard shares are cheap, especially when you consider that analysts have steadily upped their projections for the company in recent months. By comparison, GOOG and AAPL stock both have a P/E of around 21 right now. HPQ stock has lost -13% in the last month, so now is a great time to buy in at bargain valuations.

Tech stock pick to buy now - STMicroelectronics (STM)

Picked by: Jon Markman, editor of Trader’s Advantage
Trading Strategy: Swing trade investing for profits of 15% to 40% in less than 90 days

STMicroelectronics (STM) is an independent semiconductor company based in Switzerland. This tech stock is a great swing trade in the short term. STMicroelectronics has gotten a lift in late May from the resurgent euro, and shares are trying to stabilize near recent and February lows. If tech and euro bulls can get a turnaround going, STM will be one of the leaders. Keep a stop loss at $7.50 or so, but look for shares to push up in the high $9 or even $10 range over the next several weeks -- and then take the money and run.