So, basically something dies out pretty quickly? I'm only getting a 1 yr warranty, but should I extend that?

Yep.

I would.

$90/2 yr warranty for a $450 purchase. I need someone to third the motion.

**** it.. I take mine back.

Have you had problems with Dell laptops?

Just doing a google search, it looks like overheating has been reported.

I have had issues with Dell, HP, Compaq, Acer and Gateway. It's nearly impossible to avoid all problems that could arise... That's why getting a good warranty is and should be very important.
I'll say that I haven't had a single issue (hardware wise) from Asus or Lenovo.

That's a common problem with laptops in general.

I've had screens fail on HP laptops and I've had a few HDDs fail on brand new Acers.

But none of them have had the number of integrated peripheral (aka "need to replace the motherboard") failures as I've had with Dells. I've seen more Dell laptop motherboards replaced than all of the other brands combined.