Shop around mate, stick to the better known brands, even if it costs a little more. Getter better hardware & software support (drivers etc.), I got mine from Cybershop in Perth, they were having a sale and got a high end spec one for a good price.
Where as I got a good price on a laptop at Harvey Norman from my oldies, which is not the first place I would have gone for a good price on a laptop.

I can highly recommend Toshiba laptops, Ive got one, and I know a few that have them, no complaints what so ever.