Dell Inspiron 6400 Laptop

Put simply, I'll not be buying Dell again. This is my second Dell machine and the second that has failed within a few months. First there's the DVD/CD drive that makes some discs sound like a tractor. Then there's the failure of the OS (something about BOOTMGR not being found - why not?). I had to reinstall the Vista OS. Result? The machine no longer talks to my wireless hub and the whole thing freezes when I plug in the ethernet cable. Dell help people weren't much, er, help. English isn't their first laguage (not a criticism of them, I should add) and this does pose problems. They seem keener to clear the call. Shame, as the spec is good and the design sensible (eg DVD and volume on the front). MAC book anyone?