This is good to know - I also commute by bike, hence my concern about build quality.
Incidentally, I'm overwhelmed by the response rate to my question. I posted it two hours ago, expecting to be ignored as a newcomer, and went off to do some reading. I can't thank everyone enough for the feedback, although I'm still on the fence.
Get a padded sleeve for your laptop. I paid $9 for a Timbuk2 sleeve at REI on sale. I've taken some whoppers on my bike with my laptops in my messenger bag (enough to put me in the hospital) and the sleeves seem to do a really good job of protecting them.
If you are in the market for a new messenger bag, the re:Load people have a particularly thick sleeve that they used to offer at a discount when you bought one of their bags. (which rule)
Yeah, I'm noticing a pretty even split between the MB/MBP vs ThinkPad. Guess that means you can't go wrong either way unless the type of work you'll be doing depends on an OS-specific feature.
For example: Consider what mobile platforms you will be developing for. If that includes iPhone, an MB/MBP will be essential (iPhone is probably not a market any of us want to ignore at this point).
Incidentally, I'm overwhelmed by the response rate to my question. I posted it two hours ago, expecting to be ignored as a newcomer, and went off to do some reading. I can't thank everyone enough for the feedback, although I'm still on the fence.