in terms of reliablity and not QC issues
I have used laptops as my main/only computer for last 8+ years. IBM thinkpad (with nightmare of windows 98 and ME), powerbook and now macbook.
Yes, macbooks have had their fair share of QC issue during Intel transition like overheating, screen flake etc. etc. But, that doesn't tell you "reliability". This is my experience considering its not one of those bad quality controlled pieces.
I have used macbook, since it released last year, and old powerbook on the go all the time. school, airports, meeting etc. I toss it in my bag with other books and files, I just grab it walk on the street to go to nearby coffee shop. I don't worry much about scratches.
Overall, MB and MBP are very durable. Those who "think" its fragile are those who are worrying too much about scratches or fingerprints on their laptops. If you stop worrying about those issues, macbooks can take some really good beating in normal busy lifestyle. So far as its not one of those few pieces which had quality control issues, you can be assure that it will live good life for 3-4 years.
None of my Apple laptops made rattling sound or had mechanical joint failure over the span of 3 years (I've upgraded all my laptops after 3 years, but they certainly can go past 4 years I think). Most of the Dell I have seen are mechanically very poor (except high end dells, which cost same as apple laptops). I think only other PC laptops I have trusted to take same amount of consistent beating as Apple's are IBM/Lenovo Thinkpads.
So,
bottom line: You get what you pay for (from Apple/Dell/IBM) in terms of overall reliability. Apple is no better or no worst than similarly priced IBM/Dell/, but you do get better looks/design with Apple !
Feel free to disagree with me
