I have to say I have been using HP/ Compaq computers almost exclusively since I started buying my own (after the AMSTRAD 
). Both desktop and Laptop. Never had any issues with them hardware wise.
My wife had a Dell which also gave no trouble - bought that because we had them right through our work organisation until I retired.
And I bought the 10" Samsung for travel, purely on price.
Pretty much any problems I've had with computers over the years have been software related.
I'll stick with HP now.
I on the other hand bought a Compaq device which it turns out had a known defect. The piece of junk in question carked it within days of the warranty expiring and the cheap b@stard$ gave me the runaround and refused to replace it - even though these had the warranty extended overseas for the known hardware defect (motherboard burning up). I pulled it apart once it was clear the manufacturer wasn't going to do anything and was not especially impressed with the build quality either
This act of stupidity has most likely cost them thousands since then. I won't touch their dodgy crap and won't sell it or use it and advise everyone I meet to run a mile.
Dell on the other hand has been largely bulletproof over the years and easy to deal on the odd occasion service is required. I use nothing else when I deploy desktops, laptops and servers and have no reason to regret that decision.
Compaq/HP on the other hand - your taking a chance when you buy their stuff I think.
