Have always used Compaq for laptops personally (although I have an IBM one from work). Usually Compaq is reliable, but support can be a bit wonky. As some product lines are issued only in a few countries, when you call to get a problem fixed, they sometimes have no clue as to what you are talking about.
I have heard Dell have excellent customer support, and this is where they do win repeat business. As for the products, I have heard they are reliable, but will not exceed your expectations. So if you by a P4 mobile, it will perform as a P4m, nothing more, nothing less.
As for Toshiba, have not used one since the early 90s. And Acer are good cheap machines, but getting parts in non-metro areas can take time.
