I have an compaq notebook(really an HP, its just marketed as a campaq. It came in an hp box with hp instruction manual.)
This notebook is a centrino and quality wise it was far superior to my brother ibook. It just felt sturdier and more rugid.
I know it might be better to compare it to a power book, but we did not have one of those lying around.
I still wish i would have bought a mac though. Ah till next time.