I've owned computers ranging from Wang, IBM,Epson,Gateway,Acer,Dell, a locally configured unit, and now, a top-of-the-range,Toshiba.
Genearlly, they've been reliable except the Toshiba's hard drive failed just within the guarantee period. Toshiba service was excellent in arranging for the computer to be picked up, fixed locally in Launceston, and delivered back to my home address nearly 200kms away.
This contrasted with Dell where I merely wanted to know how to switch off the touchpad. After waiting on the phone for hours and entering the unit's serial number 4 times, they wouldn't answer the question but referred me to Dell Canada where I'd taken delivery of the machine. Personally, I don't think the obviously Asian call centre knew the answer. The relevant instructions on the Dell web-site just doesn't work for the model concerned. Back in Australia, extremely critical comments on Dell's support service are legion in the magazines, websites etc. It's a pity because the Dell unit itself's been fairly reliable and I'd buy more Dell machines if their support wasn't crap.