Its funny how we all complain about people buying cheap plane tickets and wanting the world with it (first class meals, tv, etc.). But, when we buy stuff, or go on vacation, we buy the cheapest thing from whomever.
When I purchase a laptop, I dont purchase for weight, top-of-the-line performance, or how cheap it is. I look at a company that has quality customer service. Ive had too many problems talking to people in India. I will not purchase from a company that outsources their tech support. But, thats just me. Not everyone can be like me.
Its a sad reality.
P.S. Sucks about your laptop. Its HIS fault. Did he ever apologize or ask to compensate you for it?