Configuring a New Laptop, v.2 (definitely Lance)

OK guys, in the last thread I made a little while ago, I mentioned waiting till Christmas to get a new rig, but it's increasingly looking like I'd be better off with something as soon as possible...my workload's increasing and I need my *own* laptop that's up to the task now now now. I should have got the Javelin when I had the chance ;_; Ah, well, looks like I'll have to go with the Lance. Here's what I'm looking at (budget is anything under 2500 dollars):

https://www.digitalstormonline.com/configurator.asp?id=1048625

So I have just a couple quick questions:

1: About solid state hard drives: I've heard they have a shorter life than regular hard drives, is that true? And how reliable are they? One of the reasons I'm getting 2 HDs is because I want a backup in case the SSD fails, is that common?

2: How does paying with Paypal work? Someone in another thread said it was a lot easier than paying via cash, but is it secure? Also, do I need to have the money in there right when I make the order? It'll take about 3 days for me to move the money from my bank account to Paypal.

3: Shipping: I checked with the people at my post office and they *should* be able to accept the delivery of my laptop, but just in case worst comes to worst, will Fedex or whoever allow me to pick up my laptop at their office, or will they just throw it out if they can't deliver it? D: And if something happens to it during shipping, is there any way I can be recompensed, or any insurance I can take on it? ;_;

Thanks again guys, sorry for the trouble. Looks like I'm gonna be ordering tomorrow or Monday so it gets here ASAP. Like I said, shoulda ordered earlier, but oh well...

I was told that DS couldn't ship laptops to post offices unless things have changed

Whelp, time to see how it goes...just sent in my order, scanned the required documents, and emailed them to DS. Now the wait begins 

It seems like I ran into the same issue sls0991 did, it cost more to ship to a PO Box...the cost was 230 dollars though, which seems very steep to me. I thought it would be more expensive so I agreed to release the money, but still, I have to ask, is that normal? I live in CT...I agree with sls, it would have been nice to have had some notification of that, though it's no big deal.

Yeah, I think the 230 I paid is more expensive than what sls paid. Maybe it's because we live in different states or something...I'll ask about the shipping, since as I said, I live in Connecticut at the moment.

Oh nooo, I just called to check up on the status of my order and they said the Lance case was out of stock :( They offered to refund me the priority build option (while still keeping my laptop at the top of the list) so that's good, at least, but still, I am a bit disappointed (I *really* need that machine ASAP).

I just called and they said the Lance cases arrived today! It's at stage 7 now 

You're almost there!

Hang in there mate, almost home!!   

Well, tomorrow's come and still no shipping. Alex, is it possible for you to check how my order's coming along? I've been told it would be shipping "tomorrow" for close to a week now. This is beginning to get frustrating, especially since I needed that laptop ASAP. I'm grateful the 99$ priority shipping fee was refunded, yes, but I don't really see any reason why my laptop should have reached level 7 but then take such a long time to ship.

Alex, thank you so much for getting back to me. Not only am I immensely pleased with the customer service I've received from DS, but guys, it turns out that my laptop has ALREADY ARRIVED! In fact, it arrived three days ago--Digital Storm actually shipped it *almost* on time (just a day or two later than the 4-day shipping I initially ordered and was happily refunded for). For some reason, the Postal Service didn't notify either me or them. I thought DS would notify me when the laptop left the *facility,* but I guess the actual assignment of a tracking number, etc. is up to the USPS, so I don't blame DS at all.

It seemed that Digital Storm pulled through in every way possible, and it was just the Postal Service's mistakes which led to the delay! Again, needless to say, Digital Storm has very much secured my loyalty and I am EXTREMELY pleased with the service I've received. I have two questions though:

1: My machine's been sitting at the post office for a couple of days (It'll be the 26th when I pick it up, and it arrived on the 23rd). Would it have been harmed by staying in its box for so long?

3: I plan to do a review with pictures and everything, but if I'd like it to be featured, is it okay if I post it up on my own personal blog too? :o

Anyways, once again, not only am I excited about my new machine, I'm also very, very pleased with how Digital Storm has treated me.

OK, phew! I've been asking around and everyone's been saying it should be OK in the box as well.Now just to wait until 8 AM (it's 11:21 PM where I am now) to rush over to the mailbox and get my machine 

Congrats on finding it.

Let us know what you think and Enjoy.

i don't see the thread??

Also just posted an exhaustive and full review of the lance in the general forum:

http://www.digitalstormonline.com/forums/review-of-the-digital-storm-lance-tidf23398/

Out of curiosity, Alex, what would be the procedure for having it as a featured review in that section of the forum? Also, sorry for the emails earlier today, as I mentioned, the problem fixed itself XD