If you're seeking a stable, reliable, high-performance, and visually appealing laptop, you should seriously consider the venerable Apple iBook. Though more expensive than today's P4 1.X laptop PCs, Mac OS X alone is enough to convert even the most diehard PC user. Though getting around the "unique" interface of the OS can take some getting used to, you will surely appreciate its stability and user-friendliness.

With upgraded memory, an AirPort card for wireless web surfing and Office:Mac, you will have everything you need to work or play with incredible performance for everyday tasks. Throw in the iLife suite of applications for DVD playback, music/MP3 management and much more, and you have an amazing productivity pack for multimedia, a longtime strength of Apple computers.

I would wholeheartedly recommend the iBook for those seeking a trusty companion for work, play, or multimedia. The 800MHz G3 processor has never been insufficient for any task I've thrown at it and the AirPort card makes an ideal accessory for connecting to the Internet without wires.

If you have $1400-2000 to spend on a laptop, don't overlook Apple.

Edit: My pre-owned iBook is now nearly 11 months old and has developed the rampant logic board failure, which has plagued many a user. Luckily, with about a month left in my 1-yr AppleCare warranty, I did not have to pay a cent and waited about a week and a half to get it back.

Please keep in mind that if you purchase a newer G3 iBook, you may very well be one of those who experiences a logic board failure, and apparently it can come back again and again. Buy the 3-yr AppleCare Protection Plan and you won't be sorry.