I just got my new 15″ Apple Powerbook, and all I have to say is that Apple > *.  Yes, Apple products are more expensive, but the amount of time that goes into designing the Apple systems, down to the smallest detail, is well worth it.  Just  a few examples of “small” features you don’t see on your normal, mainstream laptop:  Backlit keyboard w/ light-sensor, power supply w/ hooks to wind up the power cord, and a latch that is actually a magnet and not a plastic hook that can easily be broken.