Need help with finding a decent laptop

Ive used HP for the past 2 years now, i got one and sold it to my parents because it was too big, and then another one for myself. Anyways, Earlier in the summer, like june my laptop video card burned up and had to buy a new mother board. We JUST got it installed and running 2 weeks ago, and it burned up AGAIN! I willl NOT purchase another HP computer again.
Im currently looking into purchasing a Vaio, and was curious if anyone had any issues with one, or any reason to not buy one. I have heard they are good quality and reliable.
A couple of things to consider when giving suggestions are 1,; I am a college student and a Computer Science major, so the machine needs to be slightly powerfull (I believe my HP was a 2.3GHz but i can't remember and cant really check right now) and able to run long periods of time without over heating (Like my HP did...). It would also need to be able to run virtual machines. I would LIKE to have either ATI or nvidia video cards, not the intel crap that my HP had, and HD space really isnt a problem. I dont plan on running hardcore games on it, just the ocassional flash game. Thats all i can think of right now, if i can think of anything when im not angry about my laptop or dead tired ill add more....

-thanks!

Preferably around 700-1,000$. Also, a mid range GPU is fine, im not a hard core gamer. I actually custom built a sony viao last night (the 14.1" screen) and it was like 750$

lol, I gotta apologize. I had a nice post written up with a couple of links to laptops for you to look at. I meant to open up newegg in another tab and accidentally deleted my post and just never got around to it again. Anyway, here is attempt #2:

There is this Asus N81 (faster CPU w/ a low to mid range NV GPU): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6834220565

Here is an HP HDX16 (2.26ghz CPU and similar GPU): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6834220565

As well as this Compal system that you can customize through XoticPC: http://www.xoticpc.com/sager-np209 [...] figure=yes

If you want some more background on Compal:

http://www.xoticpc.com/really-make [...] -a-47.html

Sony: I feel that they have some nice looking, well built systems, with respectable specs. However, I do feel that they tend to be overpriced for what you are getting. I haven't really kept up with their current systems and prices though so I don't know how true that is anymore.

Lenovo: Took over computers for IBM a few years ago. Their systems haven't seemed to suffered in quality at all and thus are well built, solid machines. I've heard varying things about support though.

Sony Vaio and Lenovo laptop are great buys, I bought one Sony vaio for my sister and the Lenovo for my mom. They were to happy about it and enjoying and exploring the laptops.

http://www.vaiousa.com

http://www.inspironprices.com