Several years ago, I convinced my employer to go with the Sony ultra thin laptops, to the tune of 12 at $2k a piece.
That decision haunted me for the next three years.
Problem after problem and the worst customer service I have ever seen. They acted like they were geared to Walkmans not laptops for business, two- three week services on warranty problems.
I just went the other way. For home use, I buy only used laptops.
For my own use, I just got an IBM T21 for $430.00 Using it right now. My wife and daughter are using Dell refurbs and have been for three years without incident.
Perfect for what I do at home, although I am not a gamer so I don't need all the whistles.