I prefer the HP laptops.
That is all I use for my companies laptops.
We have had a few problems with them but their support is excellent and if we do have a problem they get serviced very quickly. HP's customer service is top-notch.
I also noticed that HP installs less of the crap software that every manufacturer tends to put on laptops. (ISP Software/Bad Antivirus/ etc..)

I have tried Dell in the past and they are good machines, they are just kind of plain looking. If I am spending over $1000 for a laptop I want it to look good!

I have not had too much experience with Toshiba but if the HP has the specs you are looking for I would steer that way.
Customer service is a big plus and I know HP/Compaq has it.

Hope I helped a little.
If you have any questions let me know. ( I do it for a living)