Dunno if these would classify as "best," since that would require me to dig around a lot and I'd need more info about what it is that your friend wants/expects from the computer. Three good options, after some quick searching:
http://www.amazon.com/ThinkPad-Edge-E420-114155U-Notebook/dp/B004ZT9V1Q
While not as fancy as the ThinkPad T series, the Edge series is probably still better built than most consumer market laptops out there.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834157822
HP's build quality for consumer grade laptops is questionable at best. <_< But this is more of a business grade model, so it should be okay.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Samsung+-+Laptop+/+Intel%26%23174%3B+Core%26%23153%3B+i3+Processor+/+15.6%22+Display+/+4GB+Memory+/+640GB+Hard+Drive/2775225.p?id=1218350599874&skuId=2775225
I don't know much about Samsung's build quality for laptops, but in general they manufacture reliable components, so it shouldn't be bad. A built-in 4G wireless broadband modem is a cool feature if your friend ever decides she wants to make use of it.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834214401
If your friend cares about gaming, this may be a better option. It does have less CPU performance for typical tasks, however. I probably wouldn't get this, because in the end this will still suck at gaming anyway. <_<;
I listed them in my order of preference.