HP bought out Compaq, so the qualities are the same from a manufacture standpoint, however support for the Compaq models are severly lacking. I have a compaq and was happy with the amount in which I could upgrade it. Personally I don't think Dells have that capability, it seems once yuve chosen yur package, yur stuck with it(If that has changed please correct me). As far as what brand I think is the best literally, since the market inception in '89 Toshiba, from what I see they are still among the best. Alienware is great but as others have said heavy price tag. Thats pretty much the deal, btw I don't know about the European/UK market and what differances their are.
"Let justice be done though the heavens fall." - Jim Garrison
"Ask not your horse, if ye should ride into battle" - myself
