Good point to bring up about prebundled PCs
Our company uses Dell but wipes them clean and then starts again.
http://wiki.castlecops.com/Starting_..._Clean_Machine
Go and use the laptops your about to buy.
never understood why people buy a device which they have never try which can if you use a great deal affect your health (eyes, back, wrists)
Make a list of what YOU want from the Laptop.
Read loads of reviews from real people. Be careful about reading reviews on the Internet many independent blogs and the likes are treated very well by firms.
worth checking out if the warrenty is important how the company is doing is it likely to be here in 22 months when you need to make a claim?
Also if you buy in Phill and bring to the UK for example make sure its a worldwide warrenty. I think Acers is as is tosh as are many of the big firms but do check.
Also noticed Phil is a dumping ground for some PC and electronics companies. So be careful what exact model your getting read reviews for that exact model. one letter added or taen off the name can make a big difference.
Never stop your self buying a laptop due to the software loaded on if the Hardware is top rate.
Make sure the laptop is expandable, can more memory be added? can the hard disk be changed easily. Also what connectors does it have is it future proof?
Many people i know of a techy nature by a Laptop subsidised by junk ware loaded on and wipe the hard disk and load on a COpy of XP they have even if you buy a oem copy (most pc shops will sell it to you if you buy a a pc part)
So what do you intend to use the laptop for?
Office type applications, browsing, graphics, games, im?
One last thing i would add.
Although spending money can normally equate to a better laptop sometimes its better to buy what you need if its not a major priority.
Many people i know have a cheap laptop which they change regularly every two years say.
why spend a thousand pounds if you use now and then and could have 5 different laptops for the next ten years for 200?