replacement advice needed

I've had a xps 1530 since June of '08 and have had a ton of problems with it. I think every part except the case has been replaced at least once, not to mention three hard drives, two motherboards and two screens.

My latest issue is that it's overheating. (This is the second time I've had this issue and the second time the motherboard etc. is going to be replaced for that reason.) When I spoke to tech support today, they told me they'd repair this computer, but also would be willing to replace it with another, probably the 1640, new.

Now that I'm reading the threads for the first time in a while, it sounds like there are serious issues with the 16 series as well.

I'm looking for advice. Should I just keep my old computer? Try whatever new one they offer? Sounds like no matter what I'm going to have problems.

I just want a reliable functional computer. For that I'm thinking I have to get a Mac.

 

I have no problems working and gaming with the XPS 1640. The 1645 has throtteling and temperature issues.

I'd suggest getting it replaced with a 1640.

 

I'd opt for a replacement because the 8600 WILL (not if) die on you

The 1640 does suffer heat issues (more than the 1645) and does experience throttling (not as bad as the 1645). Only experiances that when gaming, for regular student type stuff, never had it get slightly hot or throttle.

My 1640 is an awesome machine, never had a problem playing games

I have the T9800 2.93ghz , 6GB RAM and the 4670 1GB Card.

 

try and play up and get a 1730

 

Can you give me advice about what specs I should look for in a 1640? Or at least what I should avoid?

And..can someone explain what throttling is?

BTW... here are the specs I have now on my 1530. T8300, 2.4GHz, 4gigs, NVidia 8600.

Is Dell making any good computers these days?????