Once again in defence of Dell, I have an Inspiron 1100 and an Inspiron 1150. Only had one problem in two years, and it was sorted out completely on phone support.
Yes, she was Indian, but I was amazed that I got an instant response, she knew what she was talking about and got the problem solved. Even rang me back when she said she would to check that everything was right.
I couldn't be happier with them and I'll be buying another Dell next year.