I'm in Computer Hell!

Last night my HP Pavilion laptop, only 15 months old, died. While I was reading a web page, the screen started flashing colors and went to snow. I turned it off, hoping that maybe it was just overheated or something. This morning it wouldn't boot; screen was blank. I tried several recommended minor repairs, such as checking the battery, the power supply, and the memory module, but nothing happened. I took it to the Geek Squad at Best Buy where I purchased it, and it will cost a minimum of $100 just to get the data off of it, and a minimum of another $160 just to get it shipped off and repaired -- taking at least two weeks. I have major presentations four days this week upcoming -- I MUST have my data and I must have a functioning laptop. So I feel forced to purchase a new one. Best Buy has a HP Pavilion Laptop on sale for $549.99. A good price, but will it die in 15 month, too?