I prefer Thinkpads in spite of the China angle. Dell's tech support is weak and it often seems like the PCs are skimping on critical hardware components (e.g. using cheap motherboards, RAM and power supplies). I would never purchase a Dell anything.

Can also try Toshiba, I'm using a Satellite right now. Rates well on "unscheduled drop tests".

The Dell is cheaper and has a smaller screen but I think the Thinkpad is better engineered.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1589831,00.asp

Personally, I'm switching to a subnotebook with a docking station. More people now buy notebooks than PCs and the market has responded accordingly. But I don't want to lug around a laptop that can double as a home theater. If the keyboard weren't so small, I'd use a Libretto. Apart from being much easier to carry, subnotebooks are easier to use on airplanes, etc.

Hi, short time reader first time commenter here. Anyways.

I agree with "Anonymous", the Thinkpads are nice, tough, well-engineered machines compared to anything else in their range. Dells aren't too shabby, but I'd give the T42 the edge.

Toshibas, on the other hand, are generally *way* too heavy to be useful as portable workstations, at least that's been my experience.

On that note, a well-deserved plug for the Sony Vaio mini-notebooks that have come out recently (the VGN-Txxx series). Full size computing power you could slip into an oversized trouser pocket if you had to. Great machines, but pricey.

I've been running with a cheapo Toshiba Satellite for the last year. Took it into some pretty sandy conditions and on some tough journies without incident aside from some paint scratching. that being said, i think id prefer a thinkpad or a panasonic toughbook were i buying again. also i should point out i dont give a crap how much the laptop weighs as long as it functions well. my toshiba is rather heavy which could be a downside. it also, along with the other two toshibas ive had in the past run rather hot.

if the firm is paying for it, go with a top-of-the-line toughbook. they can survive humvees running over them and can take direct RPG hits without a problem.

Well, this is good advice.

For my own part, I can share that I have (for my personal laptops) gone through 3 successive generations of Toshibas, which I like generally but which are too heavy for "road warrior" work. I also note I have found Toshiba power supplies to be more sensitive to "bad power" (i.e. unstable grids) than my work T41. I've gone through several replacements on my Toshiba, the IBM T41 remains on the original power thingamabob.

My own sense was the T series is solidly engineered, and for the things I do with laptops (perso or not), a prime choice - above given I operate in roughish environments.

I also agree with Dr. Fir, Toshibas do run hot, esp. in this climate. Now were I a developed world based fellow, I might opt for the Toshiba or the Sony, but your input have convinced me my sense re the T42 is correct.

gracias all around.