ibm is usually more reliable... not many small annoying problems.

personally, i think asus quality is only soso... it feels strong and good quality... but after a while, there are some annoying small problems. for example, tough pad is suddenly not sensitive... but ok after reboot. display driver sometimes have little problems. the fan noize is kind of loud. so on..

Dell build quality is like asus.. but the dirver is a little better.. more reliable.. and if there is a bug.. usually there is a fix come out very fast.

if you like wide screan.. there will be at least 5 new model coming out in the following one or 2 month.. so if you can wait a little..

also.. Intel will lower the price of P-M processer at the end of this month... so if you are not in a hurry.. at least wait until early november.

if you have to choose now.. i think the HP ZT3000 series is pretty nice. it is "very very similier" to Compaq X1000... but better looking, i think.