Brand performance question. (laptops)

[Aftershock]

First off, I would like to apologize if this is in the wrong section. I couldn't think of a better place to post this.

I am currently in the market to buy a new laptop due to my current 8 year old Compaq is about to go out and has one foot in the grave. I have seen many times where someone would bring home a new laptop and it run great for the first month or two then after that it would go straight down the toilet. It just makes me really paranoid on what brand is better then another brand. I feel Dell makes a good laptop, but it seems that I'm buying the name instead of the product. I have heard that ASUS makes high quality products, but as I said I'm just really paranoid because I don't see a lot of them around. Seeing as how my knowledge of computers is somewhat limited (I can find my way around a computer, but never really learned all the in depth technical stuff), I really have no clue on what brand is better then another brand. All I'm really trying to do is find the best bang for the buck. Any help here would be greatly appreciated.

Due to not knowing a thing about different brands I am looking for a laptop that is kind of a Jack-of-all-Trades. I'm looking at some moderate gaming, mainly a few MMO's and the occasional shooter, not playing Crysis on the highest settings or anything for the sort. Also I do a bit of video editing just for fun and family purposes and need something that will let me do that with ease. I would like it to feel snappy (for a lack of a better term), since my current computer takes about thirty or more seconds just to load up a web browser. The only thing that I find that is a must is to have Windows XP operating system, due to me and Windows Vista never really got along. If anyone would point me in the right direction I would really appreciate it. Thanks for your time.

[Alaron]

Welcome to PCMech. I moved your thread into our Mobile Tech forum.

What is your budget for this laptop?

[Aftershock]

Shoot I knew I missed something. My budget is around $1500. I'm willing to go a little higher if it is something I really like.

[mikeL]

I have a HP laptop it is packed with a lot of hardware, the only thing I wish HP offered is XP for it. I also worked with a guy who had a ASUS that was a very nice laptop don't remember the model but it was very nice. my next laptop will be an Apple.

[glc]

Dell still offers XP on laptops, BUT!

1. Inspiron 1520 - onboard Intel graphics with NO upgrade option any more.
2. XPS M1730 - big 17" starting at over 2 grand.

Right now, there is ONE 1520 in their refurb outlet with a Nvidia 8400M upgrade with XP Home for $829.

Inspiron 1520
(System Identifier: 0GW2CM81)

* Inspiron 1520 Laptop: Intel Core 2 Duo T7500 (2.2GHz/800Mhz FSB/4MB cache)
* Genuine Windows XP Home

System Price : $829.00

Operating System Genuine Windows XP Home
Memory 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM 677MHz (2 DIMMs)
Hard Disk Drive 120 GB SATA Hard Drive (5400 RPM)
Video 128MB NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS
Web Camera Integrated 2.0 Mega Pixel Web Camera
Certified Refurbished
Inspiron 1520 Laptop: Intel Core 2 Duo T7500 (2.2GHz/800Mhz FSB/4MB cache)
Media Bay 24X CD RW/DVD Combo Drive
Software Upgrade Microsoft Works 8.5 with MS Office Trial Version Software
Network Interface Card 3945 802.11a/g Wireless Mini Card
6 Cell Primary Battery
Hardware is Microsoft Vista Capable
90W AC Adapter
System Color Espresso Brown
Laptop Screen 15.4 inch WSXGA+ Laptop Screen with TrueLife

Inventory changes frequently, http://www.dell.com/outlet