[jbryant]

JoeA- I had the same problem with HP. The power jack connector broke (poor design) and they want you to buy a $800 mother board to replace a $1.00 part.
Apparently it's a common problem (they have since changed the design) and I was able to get the part on the web.

Thanks for the suggestions. I think I was getting caught up in the "coolness" of the Alienware product. It's nice to be brought back to earth.
I did not even think about the IBM's. They need to work on their marketing.

Jim