So my Sony Vaio crapped out on me one month out of my one year manufacture warranty. Video card fried itself

.
I'm looking to pick up a new one soon from either Memory Express or NCIX.
I'm looking at a Asus, and I've read that the process for sending it in for warranty work can be a nightmare; so I was wondering if anyone had any experienced with the ISP offered by ME or ESP offered by NCIX?
Thanks!