I am a big fan of HP laptops. My first gave me no trouble for a year and half (at which point it was struck by lightning, which was not HP's fault); my current one has given me no trouble period.
I'm disappointed with the battery's performance. It is only capable of illuminating the screen about 50% (my best guess) of what I get when it is plugged in.
I'm so afraid of having something spilled on it that I just leave it at my desk all the time.
Overall, however, I am impressed with the pavilion's performance, features and reliability. The HD widescreen is incredible. I can't comment on the Wi-Fi as I haven't hardly used it at all. I've got the card and the wireless firewall router, just don't find the need to use it as of yet.
This is my first laptop and I bought it at Best Buy. I always feel like they're skinning me when I go in to buy a high ticket item. The big torture is to decide to purchase the service plan.
I guess it's better to be safe than sorry.