Buying New Computer - Please help me..

I have

 

What do you have ???

 

i had accidentally submitted this post before I was finished..... grrrr and I had just finished typing up an extensive explanation but....low and behold.... when I pressed enter, i had exceeded the forum time limit for editing my post, and it erased everything.
I have copies of the laptop packing slip that I received Dec 2007, and a copy of a laptop that Dell has sent me, as I asked for their opinion on replacing the laptop. I am working on trying to attach those now.
I have insurance coverage for my laptop that I dropped, and the Insurance Company may try to replace it, instead of giving me the money and letting me replace it. and I just want to make sure that I am getting exactly what I had, and possibly if they are replacing it with comparable features.
I may be able to ask for a different Brand, I am not sure. I would just like you guys' opinion if you had to get a Laptop. I use it for LOTS AND LOTS of pictures,music, and videos---- editing of them all---- watching DVD's and Internet.
I have had horrible issues with the speakers on this laptop, along with some DVD burning issues, from the very beginning. So I am a little apprehensive about another Dell. but just have never looked closely at another brand. Any advice will be Greatly Appreciated. Just answer as if you were buying a laptop for your mom.... If it were MY Mom...

 

I have attached the two lists for comparison, the Packing slip from Dec 2006 & the proposal for replacement from yesterday Aug 2, 2009
THANX!!!:confused

 

My husband had ordered this computer for me in Dec 2006 as a surprise Christmas present. I do see that he was encouraged to get LOTS of support after the sale.
For the last 2 years I have had horrible crackling and stuttering sound from my speakers, and any player for music and videos. It has been very disappointing as I LOVE music, and have not been able to listen to it at ALL on my laptop for a very long time. After research, it appears that it is a chronic problem with some Dell computers, and the Sigma-Tel audio card...
How can I order a laptop without ordering a sound card?
So if you were going to get a computer for someone you really cared about, quality, performance, and good SOUND, which brand would it be... I really am hoping to make a more competent informed decision on this Laptop. Not just buying in the Blind... THANX!