<p>I have a MacBook Pro now, but I used an HP zt3000 for ~4.5 years before that (since senior year of high school). It was mostly reliable, except the LCD backlight died within a year (really quick turnaround from HP mail in service), and the ethernet port crapped out over a year ago. Still runs today (brother is using it for now).</p>
<p>I’m sure both HP and Dell make pretty reliable machines for the most part, but since they are heavily mass produced consumer products, you are bound to hear horror stories of failures.</p>
<p>As for Vaios, I was considering the Vaio FW before I bought my MBP. I don’t know if that’s too big for you or not, but I think that’s their nicest looking model.</p>
<p>Online deals are typically better than in store.</p>