what's the laptop for? is portability is a big deal? because thinkpads are awesome! Dell Vostro is good value for the price, coupled with great service. maybe even an EEE pc. those things are tiny, cheap and made for the nerds!

I suggest you go to google and read reviews of laptops. new ones are coming out everyday, and no one can keep track of them all. good luck.

personally, I use a Mac... not cheap, but worth every penny, and some more!