Thinkpads are great. I'd avoid the R series unless you're looking to include your laptop in a weight lifting routine, but the T and the X are nice machines - and you can get certain versions preloaded with SuSE instead of Windows (unfortunately only with integrated graphics) for a little less money. Thinkpads aren't what they used to be, but they're still tougher than average, with magnesium frames and waterproof keyboards.