When I'm asked what brand of laptop to buy, I answer Dell. Here's why:

Honestly, I’d buy a Dell – in fact I have for personal use, and I make the same recommendations to any client. Reason: hardware support. With a laptop, it’s not a question of IF it’s going to break but WHEN. In the case of Dell, you can call them, and depending on the type of support you purchased, they will come to you and fix it. With all other vendors, you’re screwed. You have to take your stuff to your 'computer guy' (which is never guaranteed), the morons at Best Buy (which is worse), or MAIL it back to the manufacturer (hope you don’t need a computer for several weeks). In all of the non-Dell examples mentioned above, you’re without your equipment for an extended period of time, and you will have out of pocket costs. That’s all covered if you buy support from Dell.

Dude, you’re getting a Dell.