Stay clear from Dell if you can, because their build quality has nose-dived over the last 6 months.

Alienware Area51s are nice, but they are huge, heavy and run extremely hot. They are also very expensive and you can better deals elsewhere.

HP are quite good and the build quality is really good and solid.

Here is a spec based on the dv9500t. It has DX10 graphics, Dualcore CPU and RAID0, with loads of sweet accessories and backpack!

Operating system Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit)
Processor Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T7700 (2.40 GHz, 4 MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
Display 17.0" WSXGA+ High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1680 x 1050)
2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
Graphics Card 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GS
Personalization HP Imprint Finish (Radiance) + Webcam + Microphone
Networking Intel® PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network Connection
240GB 5400RPM SATA Dual Hard Drive (120GB x 2)
Primary CD/DVD Drive SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
TV & Entertainment Experience No TV Tuner w/remote control
Primary Battery High Capacity 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
OS and Recovery Media System Recovery DVD with Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit)
Productivity Software Microsoft® Works 8.0

$1,637.98!

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