Help wanted - Notebook computers

I've noticed that a few guys on the boards know their stuff about computers. (I'm not one of them) With that in mind, can anyone with a bit of knowledge recommend the better makers of notebooks or the brands to avoid etc. I need a new one for work, so I want something with a bit of grunt and at least 128mb video card. Any help would be appreciated

A mate of mine has bought a couple of Dells of late and he has loved them. Seem to be pretty decent value for money too, for what you get. He hasnt had anything go wrong with them.

I have a Compaq and it sucks the big ones - only had it for 3 years and it runs too hot and locks up. Out of warranty which annoys the shit out of me too.

AS far as I know the best brand seems to be Toshiba.

Thanks Graham, I've heard a few people say that Compaq notebooks suck

I have a toshiba...and it is very good....i think they are a bit exy though

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.

Excellent. Thanks heaps for your input Mavsman

LG with those specs for $1800 from Hardly Normal, as if, more like $2800

I got a HP zd8202ap from Harvey Norman just the other day (check the HP website for specs), and I love it, would highly recommend it.

Another great brand is ASUS. Personally I don't have a notebook, but a mate of mine into programming uses it quite a bit. I had to use it one weekend for data entry and I never had any problem with it (it was also being used by others for Graphic Design & Video editing).