I don't know about all DV models having issue as I've got a DV8000t (Intel based with a nVidia 7600go) that I purchased nearly 4 years ago and it's still going strong. In fact, I just upgraded the CPU to a T7200. Maybe I've been lucky or just got a good one, can't say for sure. I do know that when I ordered it custom built, the DV9000's (which replaced it) were just coming out and they had a lot of reported issues (breaking power plugs, overheating, and broken hinges just to name a few), which is why I bought the older model instead. I do agree that the quality of their consumer grade laptops has definitely gone down over the past few years. However, the quality of their business grade laptops are still quite good, though often way overpriced.