Lenovo ThinkPad T42 2378 (Pentium M 735 1.7 GHz, 512 MB RAM, 40 GB HDD)

Pros: Reliability, quality, preformance, durability, black is the new black

Cons: Unknown effects of the purchase by Lenovo on service quality (which is at the top currently)

Summary: Simply the best notebook I've ever owned. This is just the right size, the components are of the highest quality, service is highest rated in the industry for years, very durable ... it's just a plain good computer that will do everything a student or profession could ask for.

The only down sides are:
(1) Cost: it's more than a dell with the same specs, but the additional cost is absolutely worth it. I'm more of a "techie" than most consumers so I am able to deal with problems when they arise; but this thing never has problems! I've recommended it to many fellow grad students and none have been disappointed (I usually recommend Dell second, but a distant second and only is economics demand). Everyone will eventually run into some problems with any computer they purchase, but I've have the fewest problems related to quality of components or construction when it comes to IBMs (dells simply are more prone to such problems, I couldn't tell you exactly why). And if there ever is a problem I know that IBM service will be there for me, they have the best policies and service in the industry ... as far as dell's service, just ask someone who's owned a Dell for over a year, it's a hassle!

Save your self money and time later by putting up a little more cash for an IBM now ... you won't be sorry!