Just recently bought the u35jc-a1 from ncix for a grand. Costs a bit more than an acer with similar specs, but the warranty is pretty reassuring. I posted a review on ncix if you want to read it
Last laptop was an acer travelmate too, I think it would've lasted at least another few years from the 2 years i've had it...apart from the broken hinge
tigerdirect has a refurbed ul50vt for $565 too