Thinkpenguin makes very good stuff. I don't have any experience with the current models, but in terms of build quality and bang for the buck, I think they blow System 76 away.

Admittedly, I use a Thinkpad t430 and a MacBook Air myself, but if I didn't have more laptops than I knew what to do with, I'd be considering Thinkpenguin (though, I'm of the same mind as Linus Torvalds, http://www.cultofmac.com/162823/linux-creator-linus-torvalds... , so I'd be likely to get a refurb'd MacBook Air).

Edit: link to Thinkpenguin site: https://www.thinkpenguin.com/