The next step up would be either Sony or Toshiba, I guess, but that's also typically a step up in price. I've seen cheaper VAIO's lately (in the $1000 range) but Roger's comment about after-sales support backs up many similar accounts I've read, so I'll probably stay away from them.

I've had three Vaio Laptops with no problems whatsoever (I've never tried calling tech support since I never had to).