NotebookReview.com was excellent as a user-to-user forum. It was a place to get solid opinion from many knowledgeable laptop owners about new models, as well as discussions of issues and tips. Unfortunately, that site was shut down last year and the community split into various new sites. I haven't yet decided which site will become my usual. Other good sites:
When purchasing a new XPS Laptop, is there a tech resource you use for reviews?
"DS: When purchasing a new XPS Laptop, is there a tech resource you use for 
reviews?"