A lot of the warranties among the brands are typically the same, 1 year parts and labor, anything that is factory defect, nothing like if you accidently dropped it on the floor.

Here's my personal opinions (I'm sure some will disagree) on laptops:

- If you're looking for really small and compact design with excellent LCD screens, I'd go with Sony or Toshiba. They also have several models that are really small/tiny and yet powerful. They're typically the most expensive.
- In the HP/Compaq class, if you want those 15.4'' wide screens (so awesome for widescreen movies), then I'd consider a HP or Compaq laptop, as their widescreen laptops are the lowest price, with the same warranty as many other competitors.
- Stores such as best buy or Compusa also has their own service plans on top of factory warranties...some say they're rip-offs, I really think it depends. Laptop parts are not as easily fixable/replaceable vs. desktops. I usually say nay on desktop warranties and yay on laptops.
- Dell, Gateway have proven track record on their desktops/laptops, but I believe Gateway has pulled all of their 'local' stores, which makes sending your laptop in for a fix a huge nuisance, same with Dell. I've heard stories that people have waited for over a month on some memory module slot being replaced. Some say otherwise...

That's my 2 cent...I've had 2 Dell latitudes before, one hasn't had any problem after 4 years, one already died..both had same specs. I'm currently using a Compaq one because of its price, so far (8 months) I haven't had problem. Warranties are the most important in my opinion after price, the fine-writing on how they define as "factory defect" is worth reading. good luck!