hi, I've looked into this a lot and recently placed an order for the fujitsu T4020 lifebook. Here's why,
some good websites:
www.cnet.com
www.tabletbuzz.com
From everyone I've talked to,
portability is the most important thing. So that knocks out Gateway, Acer, and perhaps HP.
Dell and Apple do not make tablet labtops. Also, I knew I wanted a convertible, so that knocks out the slate models. Although I tried a Motion Computing slate (1 yr old) that was pretty neat. You could definitely hold this one for a while and toss it around like a book.
weight:
IBM x41 (3.5 lbs) < Fujitsu T4020 (4.3 lbs) < Toshiba m400 (4.6? lbs).
The IBM has the longest battery life and is the lightest, but it has a weak processor and no bay for a CD/DVD drive. I can't justify getting a replacement computer that's weaker than my current one! Also, in my opinion the worst part,
THE IBM HAS NO TOUCH PAD! I decided against the IBM. By the way, I gave the x41 a test drive cause my friend recently bought one. It was pretty cool. I could manage the mouse joystick in the keyboard because it was someone else's computer. But if it were my own, it would drive me nuts.
The Fujitsu seemed comparable to the Toshiba, but lighter. From the message boards I read, people were generally happy with it. Plus I've been to three different Best Buys in the Bay Area, and all of them had returned toshiba's in the "opened goods" cage. Kind of a bad sign...
If you want to check out the Fujitsu T4020, they have them at Fry's Electronics. However, they don't have display models out yet, because it's a new item. I ordered mine from Japan (i wanted to customize), and it should be here in a week or two. then i'll post again.