do NOT build your own laptop unless you have someone with you who has experience doing it. Ive built a laptop before, harder than a desktopimo. Btw, yes, all name brand computers are a rip off, there just trying to get more money for there POS systems. Best way to go if your building a desktop is custom, but if you HAVE to buy a laptop, go with dell, there laptops are reliable but not there desktops, ive had 2 laptops through them.