Hmmm Let's see:

"I've had to replace the hard drive (lost a whole bunch of data, but it's my fault I don't back up every ten minutes), "

Dell warrants the hardware, not data.  It is the individual's responsibility to backup important data.

New speakers are a peripheral item, not associated with the system, so they don't really count.

You don't mention WHY any of these components are being replaced, but since the battery has been replaced, & now the motherboard, I suspect you may have had a time loss issue.  Optical drive replacement you haven't given any hints.

Dell is not obligated to REPLACE you system, just because you've had problems with it.  They are obligated to repair it.

If you are haveing "CONSTANT Software problems" then one begs to wonder if there are not SPYWARE/VIRUS issue complicating your problem resolution.

If you give specific examples of the problems you are having, maybe we can give some input in to a long term resolution.

So true, they guarantee the hardware, not the software, and that is why I parenthetically noted it was my fault.  New speakers ARE a peripheral issue, much like radios in cars, which one wouldn't expect to have to replace in after a few month's use.

I didn't explain why the various pieces of hardware had to be replaced because it really doesn't matter.  I don't know why the hard drive crashed, but it couldn't be raised from the dead.  That's enough for me.  The CD drive sounded as if it were grinding plastic and a few pieces came out on the tray.  Needless to say it didn't work and couldn't be revived.

I understand that Dell is not obligated to REPLACE you system, just because the system is junk, but that would be ther right thing to do.  That's why some states have lemon laws.  I don't think the litany of problems and the time I have been without a computer and talking to various Hindus about how to fix it is reasonable.  That is to say that I don't think this is a reasonable expectation from a new Dell.

Re the ""CONSTANT Software problems" then one begs to wonder if there are not SPYWARE/VIRUS issue complicating your problem resolution."  So true, that's why I run ad-aware, and another anti-spyware program several times a day.  I also have Symantec firewall and anti-virus.

Thanks for your bright input.  I was hoping for some suggestions as to how Dell might be encouraged to do the right thing, as an auto dealer would do if the car he sold you broke down every few days.  He would either refund the money or give you another car, if he had business ethics and wanted to treat customers fairly.