>Hi all, I'm in the market for a new development laptop and would welcome any recommendations, usual requirements must run VS and SS at a reasonable pace , loads of RAM etc etc..., I always end up buying a Dell but am willing to change

FWIW I'm using a Dell 1749 (17", 8GB and 1TB drive) with a couple of 21" monitors attached. Been reliable for a couple of years.
Think it is discontinued but a quick look indicates that the current Inspiron 17R SE is the nearest equivalent?

A colleague has a similarly specced HP and doesn't like it much (tho I don't know why)