Need some options

[bentheman939]

Hi,

My dad is in the market for one of the new 15" MBPs. I have always hated Apple (vertical monopoly, arbitrary limitations, excessive cost for "looks/styling" over computational power, etc etc etc), and I have been trying to think of some other options that might appeal to him.

As much as I hate to admit it, Apple makes a mighty attractive laptop. He currently has a 2007 MBP which needs to be replaced. Is there anything that compares in terms of build quality/battery life/aesthetics (ie professional looking and not plasticy and colourful). Cost is basically a non-issue (within reason), but I would like it to be cheaper, as a selling point. Also, the current 15"+ MPBs cannot be configured without a videocard, or a quad core processor. He uses his computer for word processing/internet exclusively, and would be more than happy with an i5 and integrated graphics.

I have seen the envys, and I gotta say I am not impressed. They cost almost the same as the expensive MBPs, and don't seem to offer anything more (worse battery life, bad track pad, thicker). Am I wrong?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[wsaenotsock]

build quality/battery life/aesthetics (ie professional looking and not plasticy and colourful)

Lenovo, but you'll need to examine the models because their features vary widely.

Clevo OEM stuff seems pretty good too, but I can't seem to find anything but performance models from their distributors. Do they even make i3 models?

 

[Emulex]

look at:
hp elitebook 8460p
hp elitebook 8560p

(think to yourself damn thats a brushed metal macbook)

32 hours with extended batteries on those puppies. most hours on a full size laptop period.