If you dont care about brand names, check out a site like
www.discountlaptops.com, or
www.powernotebooks.com.
They're all from the companies that make laptops for the brand names,(You'll notice that one of the Sager models is exactly the same as the old Alienware Area-51M) and they come with the same standard warranties, and in many cases are identical to models sold by the brand names, except for looks (As I recall, Apple, and maybe one other manufacturer actually make their own laptops).
I got the Compal CL56 from discountlaptops.com, and I saved like $500 over the same spec'ed out Notemagix B50 from Velocity Micro (Identical computer, no Velocity Micro stickers on it). My dad wanted me to get a Dell, and had I gotten the same specifications in a Dell, it would have been over $1000 more than what I paid.
I've had it for over 2 months now, and I love it. I havent haid a single problem with it, and I leave it running 24/7. My friend who got an HP 2 months ago can't say the same thing about his. He's already sent it in twice
www.notebookforums.com is also a good site to check out. I did all my research on there, and Cnet, before deciding to get what I did.
Cory