I currently own, HP/Compaq, Acer, Toshiba, Sony, and a Dell. Have 3 running right now around me for various programs, and softwares. Alienware is owned by Dell now, Gateway and Acer are under the same roof,Compaq and HP share the same bed.
Depending on your intended use, may sway which way you go. Dual Core is the only way, loaded with XP is a true love. On the other hand, I have 2 machines with 64 bit Vista that are bullet proof. One of which is my gaming rig, have never had an issue. Alot of it is version, and how you take care of it (smut etc). Laptops, are not as hard to pick as they once were. Almost all of the major companies make good laptops, you have to know what your looking for in one. The Panasonic Tough Book is probably one of the best, but most expensive out there. Dell, Gateway, Acer make good business class machines along with Sony.
For everyday tinkering, HP/Compaq or Acer. Acer changed Gateway's proprietary thinking, just about all current laptops are end user serviceable with common generic parts. Sony at one point a couple of years ago, was the guru of laptops. That has changed, several models of the Vaio were total crap. All of them make good, and crappy laptops. Figure your budget, and go compare. I am no expert, but work on about 20 laptops a month and see the common issues which are usually end user and smut/virus related.
The parts to replace your Acer power board are about $10 on ebay, somebody is wanting to have a vaseline party with you. I charge $25 plus parts for that repair on most models, my local Geek Squad does not like me. They would rather sell you a new computer, than learn how to take one apart and fix it.