Is there a "build quality FAQ"?

i.e. not just "Lenovo > Acer" but even within certain classes of the same laptop

For example, a Lenovo x220's build quality is better than the Lenovo Essential or IdeaPad, right? What about HP EliteBook or ProBook? What about Dell Inspiron vs. XPS vs. HP dv# vs. ??

In my very limited research, it seems there are a few classes of laptops, regarding build quality, but I'm trying to get a handle on them.

something like (best to worst, going downhill):

Military ruggedized: Panasonic Toughbook

MILSPEC "full" business class: Lenovo Thinkpad, HP EliteBook(?), (Dell Precision(?)/Toshiba Tecra?)

Standard business class: Lenovo ThinkPad Edge, IdeaPad, HP ProBook, Dell Latitude(?)/Toshiba Portege/Satellite Pro?, Sony?

Consumer grade - Toshiba Satellite, HP Pavillion, Dell XPS/Inspiron(?), Acer everything....

etc.
Do Sony and Asus have some obvious "product lines" that fall somewhat into these categories?

now this is me ASKING, not me ranking them as above. The only things I know are that the Toughbooks are ruggedized bricks (most of my military laptops are Toughbooks), and the Lenovo x220 I have could be used as a lightweight weapon or a racquetball racket, and that "some" ThinkPads are also like that.

hopefully my post makes sense (Although it probably doesn't)

 

Many of the Dell XPS are near business grade quality and made of strong mag alloy. I'd say they're the only midrange consumer grade models with that good a build other than 'premium' models.

 

great answers, great stuff, thanks a ton. that is VERY helpful.

 

Good question, OP! Would be good if there was a chart or something.

With all the various models, it is sometimes difficult to know where a particular laptop should be, in which category.

 

@ Indrek - Great response!