Sounds like my spec (later I post it, too lazy to type now), I bought it back in May around 4.6K, the most noticeable problem is the heating, and of course low batt time if you're running i7 Core. For heating I'm still finding a way to buy NZXT Cryo LX Laptop cooler, if buy from US and then ship to Malaysia, the price is almost double. As for the DvD drive, Im using plds dvd+-rw dh-16a6s which can be detected under Ubuntu 10.04 but not under Windows 7 Roxio software...Other than that, gaming is awesome for me. L4d2 runs perfect, but games like Metro 2033 might need lower settings.

Another problem is the speaker is not up to my expectation. Can anyone confirm if I buy 5.1 Headphone, will the IDT codec support it? Btw what drivers you guys use for the sound card? by default mine is IDT 92HD81B1 Codec, have anyone tried using Sigmatel codec on this one?

Not sure what do you mean by weak, but if you close the lid and press it right in the middle you can see its being pressured but I dont think it will break at all. Here is an overall review which I find quite useful

http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Dell-V...ok.32768.0.html

Overall IMHO, I'm pretty happy with it, esp the sleek Red Lucerne look on it.

Not sure what are you looking for but it says in there

"There is typically nothing not to like about aluminum lids. Lifting the corner with one hand causes only minimal buckling and it withstood our press test fine."

IMHO, I must say it feels abit fragile with the lid, like its going to bend, really feels different from the Latitude 6500 which is really sturdy. This is maybe due to the mix of material they use on the Vostro series.

Seriously I don't think our Vostro will withstand a fall from lets say office table height. If it fell down with its lid open, the hinge will probably kaput too. Anyone had experience this one before?

Im using Targus soft hug designed by dell that comes free with it. Pretty okay for me if you are packing for work related, however if you are planning to bring along headphones, it's not advisable.

http://accessories.ap.dell.com/sna/product...1&sku=460-11171

Also maybe you can check those backpack offered by Deuter, a friend of mine got the one for RM 300 ++, you can fit up to 18"lappy, and its quite spacey.