I'm speaking from desktop and laptop experience here. My old desktop was a Dell. It was a beautiful thing. I regret not sticking with the brand for my laptop.

I have a HP laptop, and I would advise for you to stay far away from that if possible. My shitty computer has put me through so much hell in these past 10 months I've had it. Matter of fact, I was having problems with it today. My hard drive busted after 9 months. So definitely avoid HP.

Dell is my biggest recommendation. (: Happy Laptop Hunting!