<p>I've owned a Dell desktop as well as an Inspiron.
All worked well for the first few months but then the system has been a constant failure. Yes, I did indeed download music and set up memory consuming games like WOW but I never had such a big backlash from my new HP desktop (bought 6 months ago) as I had from Dell computers.
Now I'm looking to buy a new laptop for college and I've seen a lot of good reviews for Dell XPS than I've seen for Pavilion. I'm not really considering Lenovo.So what do y'all think?</p>
<p>Lenovo has good quality hardware...some of their software stuff (E.x. WiFi Access Connections) is a bit iffy, but you can uninstall if you want...</p>
<p>XPS systems are higher quality, they do tend to be more oriented for gaming, and as a result, they tend to run a bit hotter (they're equipped to exhaust heat, just not as comfortable on your lap) and the battery life is a bit shorter.</p>
<p>I've heard a lot of great things about HP notebooks, but not as much as Lenovo.</p>
<p>The next day onsite repair with Dell is not that expensive, and the CompleteCare (about $100 on the length of your warranty, must match, but if you have 1 year or 4 years it's still $100)</p>
<p>Buy it on a credit card, save the statement and reciept. Some credit cards will (for FREE) extend your warranty coverage:
Visa: 1 year extended warranty (not sure exact terms) on higher end "Signature" cards
Discover: Nada, don't use them.
MasterCard: Doubles computer warranty if 1 year or less if it is a "Gold" MasterCard or is otherwise listed under your benefits.
American Express: An additional year for almost anything electronic if the warranty is less than 5 years. Easiest (in my opinion and others) to deal with if you need to make a claim on it. The best for extended warranty service.</p>
<p>Anyhow, I say buy the XPS or a Lenovo (you can get student and stockholder discounts with the Lenovo).</p>
<p>Cause inspirons are ****. Look into the XPS lines. Or the new Vostro 1310, they are also quality. Lenovo is also good, they are built like a tank.</p>
<p>I have three Dell Laptops that range from about 5 to 8 years old. They all work just fine. I know many others with Dell laptops and they have generally been pleased with them. Dell did have a rough patch with hardware for about two years with quality problems. I also have three desktop Dell systems and they are fine. Two of them are in current use at our home and they handle the tasks that they were intended too.</p>
<p>We also have three HP systems. One four-year-old Compaq Presario laptop (HP bought Compaq back in the 1990s) and two more recent desktops. the Desktops have been a disappointment. One had power supply problems around 13 months and the other runs hotter than I'd expect and BSODs from time to time. We haven't had these sort of problems with our Dell systems.</p>
<p>We purchased three MacBook Pros in the last year to update our mobile technology and everyone is happy with these systems.</p>