As an attempt to beat the desert heat, I decided to buy a laptop. Not just for the heat, but for the following reasons: Gaming especialy; Programming in more confortable places then in my closet/bed room; Watch movies (dvd's); Main rig is broken; Surf the net; Maybe also to get a better understanding with Linux+laptops/notebooks.
I was looking at the Dell XPS, one of the versions at least, but it's little too expensive. I would have settled down with an Inspiron, but it comes with an ATI mobility card. I have had my epic battles with ATI cards + linux, and I believe I can live without it in my life.
I would like to stay with Dell for the support I KNOW they have. A short story: Ex-co worker bought a refurbished Inspiron. Display went out, so he called the Dell service, came the very next day to his house. Though, he was not at his house, the Tech (proper noun) gave him a ring and asked where he worked, and arrived there shortly afterwards to do his job. The display went out that same day, but the very next day the same Tech came out and replaced it once more... and that time it was fixed for good. I would not have believed it, if I had not been sitting next to the Tech and the Ex-co worker. That is awesome, and I feel I should stick to Dell for just that, unless someone else has a better Laptop/Notebook with the same or better support they would recommend. I willing to spend close to a thousand dollars, but I will not settle for ATI. Anybody have good recommendations? I have never bought a laptop before, but I have worked with a crappy HP. Thanks in advance!

http://www.alienware.com/

buy me the $5k one while your at it.

i'm currently using a dell inspiron 1100 2.6ghz processor 1 gig ram, 5200 rpm 40 gig drive. The only thing i have to complain about it is the video card. Intel 82845g, but sence i got such a good deal on it, i don't care. i spent $400 on it.