Are there non-Thinkpad laptops that you REALLY like?

[IBM]

I am a die hard ThinkPad user, but if I couldn't have my ThinkPad, I would probably take a Toshiba Satellite laptop. I have had experience using a Toshiba Satellite, and they are not all too bad. The build quality is stable, and is not too flimsy. The screen would be better though if it were a matte finish instead of glossy though. But other than the screen, a Satellite is probably one of my non-ThinkPad related favorites.

IBM

[vital-analitix]

Have had Dell, Toshiba, Sony and have for the past 11 years been using IBM. dell and Sony both left a bitter taste in my mouth and I had a number of Toshiba's before moving to IBM. Main reason for moving to IBM was build quality and easy access to correct drivers coupled with international support.

My favourite laptops were the IBM A31 - after enabling hyperthreading on them they really would fly with database work. Hyperthreading is the one thing I miss most. Presently on a T61p and love how quiet it is, especially after putting a SSD in it. Just replaced the fan (clocked up something like 7500 hours since I got it in September 2008) and I perceived the bearings started to make a bit more noise. Am on the third keyboard.

If I had to buy today then it would be unlikely that it is a Lenovo and highly likely that it would be a Toshiba Tecra (matt screen option). Fortunately this T61p appears still to be going strong and meeting my requirements. While this is the case I intend to keep this running as long as possible. I regard it as being well engineered.

It is almost certain that in a few years the market will have totally changed again so I'll make a decision at that time.

[pianowizard]

Have had Dell, Toshiba, Sony and have for the past 11 years been using IBM. dell and Sony both left a bitter taste in my mouth

Both Dell Business and Sony laptops have gotten MUCH better over the past 11 years. Thinkpads, a little bit better overall but not much. I am not familiar with Toshibas, however.

If I had to buy today then it would be unlikely that it is a Lenovo and highly likely that it would be a Toshiba Tecra (matt screen option).

The HP EliteBooks and the Dell Latitudes also use matte screens.

[topmahof]

I recently acquired an hp tc-4400 tablet and an nc-4400. I just can't do without the 4/3 screens. They have a very usable trackpoint and the keyboards are fairly decent. Good build quality, business class, nice cosmetics, the fingerprint reader is on the screen though. So far though, that's the only negative thing I can find. I had them both apart for cleaning and they're both fairly easy to get to the innards. I too, would like to find an old alienware dinosaur. One with the big green lid.