sw1gzilla,
I have been checking some models in the past two weeks as i am about to replace my actual one (IBM TP390E). I had 2 Compaqs before the IBM and both were lost due to screen problems, after warranty and the cost to replace it was about 75% of the laptop cost.
Well I have today two real options, IBM T30 with Pentium Mobile 1800mhz, light and powerfull. It can get up to 1GB RAM and HD up to 60GB. Only 32MB on video though. Bluetooth and wirelles 811b also available, combo CDRW/DVD, cost around $3,200

Also the Gateway is a good option, they have a model with the Nvidia Gforce video card (128MB). Check it out.

Any how i believe i will take the T30, i could not check Dell as the service here in Chile it's not so good for this brand.

Have in mind that it's not only the machine power but service level as well.

I hope it helps :-)