We've just picked up some new ones here at work (LG - LW65 Express).
They dont come with all that "internet signup" bullshit, there's no temp. AV (That Norton shit).
They have their own Rebuild CDs (unlike some where you have to Burn them) + Their own Drivers CD.
We also got a Toshiba and personal opinion, dont go much on them. (the particular User likes them, so he bought it for himself).
Our Notebooks were roughly $1800 from Hardly Normal.
The Toshiba was $1500 from Dicksmith/Tandy (cant recall).
I did some work on a Toshiba Satellite (older model) about 2 weeks ago, and it should have been painted yellow, cos it was a Lemon. It kept over-heating, and shutting down. Couldnt find anything wrong with it, other than the fan was running too hot, cos Toshiba have put the fans at the bottom of it!!!
Havent had much experience with a Compaq Notebook, but their PC's arent the greatest. (that and Acer - NEVER get an Acer).
Specs of the LG's we bought:
CPU = Intel Centrino Mobile Technology Intel Pentium M Processor 2.00Ghz
LCD = Fine Bright 15.4" (not the TFT screens, harder ones)
Video = ATI Mobility Radeon X700 256MB
Memory = 1.00GB (512MB + 512MB)
HDD = 100GB HDD
ODD = DVD Super Multi (DVD +-RW)
Wired LAN = 10/100 Integrated Fast Ethernet
Wireless LAN = 802.11 a/b/g NIC (unsure what that bit means)
Modem = 56K
Includes XP Home Edition w/ Service Pack 2.