Suggestions for the best laptops currently

I like Dell (use them at work and have them at home). Vostro is quite nice, Latitude is really nice, but a bit more expensive.

My 2 cents: you can't go wrong with Dell.

(fyi, I don't work for Dell of have any interest in them selling a lot :-))

Fujitsu laptops are great.  Buy them from their store on ebay and you can get them for up to 75% off.  I purchased an $1800 model for around $490 in December.
http://stores.ebay.com/Fujitsu-Computer-Store?_rdc=1
The E series is really nice for a 15" model

Depending on what you will use the laptop for.  Laptops are various in prices depending on the component configuration and the type of OS installed.  You can buy a $300 for laptop; on the other hand you could spend as much as $4000 on another one.

Budget yourself and watch for laptops on sale.  National brands and more reputable vendors such as HP/Compaq/IBM/Dell tend to have better service and warranty.  Stay away from low-end and "Less well-known" brands as they would give you headache when it comes to service and warranty return.  We live in a society where convenience seems to be important to everyone!!

Remember, most of the laptops are manufactured in the Asian countries, regardless where you buy them.  However, you want to make sure the brand you purchase do have service center in your "neighborhood" and will they remain there when you needed them.

Laptop's components literally made by a handful companies regardless what brand you purchase.  How they are put together, the workmanship quality, warranty and service are critical.   It is my opinion; others might think it differently.

Good luck with the search..

best, cheapest and no junk?   it does not exist imo
you hae to make a choice -  cheap, or quality..

Nobus, I apologize for the misunderstanding. I meant, "the best value for the money," not "cheap." I work for a small church and want to be a good steward of their resources. I am far from being a laptop connoisseur and actually prefer desktops, but want to make a good, sound purchase.
Thanks,
Debbi

As a reseller, I tend to like Lenovo laptops.  The reason I like them is that when they go out the door they very rarely come back faulty.  The reasoning is simple, every time I get a laptop in for repair under warranty it comes off my profit margin.

My second favourite is Asus.  Not quite as bulletproof as the Lenovo but more gaming oriented than designed for business.

Snibborg

Maybe an example: http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=bqca556&c=us&l=en&s=bsd&cs=04&model_id=vostro-3500

I'd say this is a versatile laptop, and it's not extremely expensive :-)

RobMobiility has hit on what I've found to be the key ingredient.  From time to time I need to specify some particular performance attribute on a laptop to meed a specific need - but the biggest issue for usabiility is the screen size and resolution.  I will trade processor speed and disk space to get a larger monitor or higher resolution.

Another concern is weight.  Many people are now requesting smaller and lighter laptops such as the Dell E6300 series.  With the small laptops it is especially important to get the highest resolution possible or you don't have enough workspace on your screen.