I jsut got a new laptop and spent considerable time looking at them. Here some of my conclusions - you're mileage may vary.

Compaq - Unstable as all get out. Reload OS every couple of months. This came from sales people at three different stores where Compaq was the primary laptop choice.

Gateway - OK but tech support sucks!

Sony - Good multimedia boxes but expensive and doesn't come with all the right stuff (serial, parallel ports)

HP - Good machine. You can turn the touchpad off and they have a little rocker switch that works like the scroll wheel on the wheelmouse.

Dell - Bought one. Has a SVideo port to send to TV, Firewire 1394 port, good ratings. Wish it had the rocker switch but you can't get everything.

Good luck!