I'd drop Toshiba from that list. Their build quality is notches lower than Acer and eMachines. HP wasn't stellar either when I last looked (a bit over a year ago).

I don't know if I would recommend a Macbook right now though. I'd like to pick up a 17" Pro model and I'm waiting it out likely until the end of the summer. The non-Pro models seem to have a number of additional issues right now some of which I haven't heard about resolutions for (the paint discolloration/wear for example).

I don't believe their new models will be out within the next two months, but they should get around to resolving a number of problems with smaller line changes/revisions.

I'd not count the odd-looking keyboard as a mark against the Macbook until I'd had a chance to use one in person. I've not read anything but positive comments about it. A lot of people had reservations until they had used it for a little while.