spinning wheel of death

A month ago, my work computer was upgraded to a new MacBook Pro (Intel Core i7) and Lion 10.7.2. From the first day, I have experienced frequent and complete freezes. Nothing works, and I can't even get the Finder to "Force Quit." All that works is a forced shutdown via the power switch.

This happens in various programs--MS-Word, Final Cut Pro. I've taken out all the non-Lion compatible software, and removed all nonessentials from the start-up folder.

I'm working on the same programs and doing the same basic stuff (word processing, video editing) that I've done for years on previous Power Books and Mac OS versions.

My IT guy thought it was bad RAM, so he put in Samsung RAM (8GB). Didn't help.

Not sure if the computer is faulty, or Lion is biting me. Any ideas? Thanks so much!!!