I think Apple is the best, but from those given brands it is Dell - clearly. HP's are good as well, but nothing beats the Dell business-notebooks.
Just refer to the previous same threads: http://forums.digitalpoint.com/showthread.php?t=1063657 http://forums.digitalpoint.com/showthread.php?t=896205 - Dynashox -
I've had so many problems with my Dell laptop - it's completely broken twice within a year. The third time was a week outside the warranty period and after many rants they finally agreed to fix it, but only because the new replacement parts were approx 80 days old. Dell are useless. Acer/Sony would be my best bet.
As far as i heard from other endusers openion Dell is best brand for laptops in terms of price,features etc. DON.
I've been a Dell fan for years, but when I bought my laptop recently I opted for an HP because some friends have had issues with their Dell laptops (I've used them mostly for desktops). The HP is fantastic.
Support-wise: Dell if you're in America. HP if you're elsewhere. Apple.. if you think you can buy hip with money. ;p