Don't get a Mac, as I can see everyone is pushing that
This is coming from a computer nerd that has done many repairs and built most of her own pcs in her life. My sister has owned three and finally gave up on them last year and switched to PC because she had so many problems with them. I can't even work on them, because there are so few solutions for a laptop that just freezes up constantly, no matter how new it is. This is, of course, a constant argument with most people, but in my opinion, Macs are great for graphic design, but they are in the end overpriced and "pretty" for what they are (unless you do graphic design, but I do graphics too and have always used PCs with no problems)
SO works for geek squad, and has been doing pc repair for about 6 years now, this is what he has to say:
Sony Vaios have a very good track record. They are rarely brought in for repairs. They are more expensive, but worth the price. HP is good to, very well made, and they have a good track record also, though not as good as the Sony.
I'm typing on SO's HP Laptop right now, and I've dropped the thing three times with no ill effects. It runs flawlessly! My sister dropped her Mac on carpet a single time and ruined it. I dropped my Alienware one time and ruined it to, and that's an awful brand for the record, never buy from them, lol. Customer service is rotten anyway.