There is not a widespread (or even localized, as far as I know) issue with DNS on Windows 8.  If other devices work fine, but your laptop is affected, then there is an issue with your specific machine or settings.  Have you manually set the IP settings on this PC, including the DNS servers?  If so, set everything to DHCP.  If not, try setting the DNS servers to 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.0.0 and see if that works any differently.  If so, it is your router or ISP's DNS.  If not, then there may be something messed up on your computer.  Make sure that all Windows Updates are installed and that you have the latest chipset and network drivers and the latest BIOS and NIC firmware.
I got my first Windows 8 PC (inspirion 660) and immediately had DNS resolution problems.  Upgraded to 8.1 and still had DNS resolution problems.  I am connected to the router via ethernet cable, not wifi.  I have to flushdns every 30 minutes or more often just to be able to use the internet.  Have looked for and tried answers given online and the only one I see that actually worked for anyone is to replace the router.  All other solutions appear to fail.  All my other devices and computers work just fine.  
Has anyone ever fixed the Windows 8 DNS resolution problem??