ThinkPads are expensive alright! But you won't get the same quality, ease, modularity, connectivity and compatibility with other brands. Dell XPS M1210 is good too, except for some quirks. Here's what you get with ThinkPads that others simply do not offer for the same price: -
1. Modular drive bays. You can take out the CD/DVD drive and insert a secondary battery in there.
2. HDAPS - Shock protection for the hard disk.
3. High-quality keyboard, UltraNav and ThinkLight.
4. Quality ThinkVantage software, unlike the usual crap regular laptops ship with.
5. Build quality. I agree Dells have improved, though - especially the XPS.
6. Standard hardware - better compatibility across different operating systems. I run Windows XP, Linux and Solaris without any problems.
7. Docking port.
8. Security - Hardware encryption/security chip. Fingerprint scanner with select models.
9. 3-years warranty even with basic Rxx models (but, not all).
10. The sheer joy of owning a ThinkPad - priceless!
I'm the kind of guy who rides a Bullet and prefers ThinkPads. Your mileage may vary. Dell M1210 aint bad though. It has a metallic chassis and features too good for the price. But a ThinkPad is a ThinkPad. (Err! I'm acting like a fanboi).
T-series ThinkPads are too expensive in India. One should always look towards getting one from US, if possible. Otherwise, Rxx are good bang for the buck.