I've just had to replace my 5 1/2yr old acer laptop. So to have it that long with no major problems I think was good, it didn't even completely break before I replaced it, just the memory was too small for me, it began to freeze more often and lines appeared down the screen. I used it a lot too, I don't think there was a day that I didn't switch it on in all that time, well maybe one or two. A lot of my friends either have acers or Dell, they are mostly students, so a lot have gone for something reliable. I have just bought a Dell inspiron (in red!) because the price was really good and they had been recommended, and so far I really like it.