I just purchased a Samsung NC10 - very pleased with it, great portability but no DVD drive. I copy from DVD to my external HDD then back to the NC10 for installing software.
I sold my full size IBM laptop to buy this and dont miss the 15.4" screen
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/150183
Ive had HP gear and its always been good too.
Not a Dell fan personally as far as their desktop hardware goes - its dire. Not had much Dell laptop experience though.