This is my job. I see it all the time. Electronics are very skeptical creatures. Sometimes the works, sometimes they don't. Then there is software. So there could be many problems dooming your new laptop.

Like others have said you walk a fine line between lemon and bad brand/model. The best option is to take it back and demand it be fixed/replaced/exchanged for free.

if you're a high roller and have a few grand burning a hole in your pocket, then go for average brands.

I am not a fan however of HP/Compaq except for their printers. However, dell produces some decent product. The keep cost down by manufacturing their own mother boards. Customer service however is horrible, as where Gateway in my opinion makes crap over priced equipment but has an excellent customer service. Its the name of the game, it's always tit for tat.

I'd say go private brand or Dell.