Feedback on HP vs Dell systems

Well, more than one. I'm a toy junkie!

The Dell laptop. Probably the less I say about it the better. The keyboard on this theoretically "ruggedized" POS was replaced once and broke again. There were errors in the BIOS that required frequent updating. The onboard mouse was a joke. I had to take the step of purchasing a USB keyboard to even use the darned thing because the input devices would fail for no good reason after startup. I don't like the monster and once I have cleaned it off, I will likely turn it into a test box or something.

I am writing from an HP. This is my second. Both have been impeccable in terms of performance and durability. This one is a dv9000, my fiance has a dv8000, we got his mom a dv6000. We all love our machines. I also have an older HP that I use as a test box. The same as our laptops, it is a solid box that tolerates a lot.

I would look REALLY hard at the HP.

I choose HP products. I currently have moved 2 brothers, and a few other people from Dell systems (they constantly complained about different things) and onto HP systems in the last year or so. I have not had to work on any of those systems since moved.

Also, I am using HP devices at work. We do not do Dell here.
However, for a new system it may depend on your wants/needs as well.
Dell is offering XP and Linux (soon) on new systems, rather than Vista only. To get XP on a system from most manufacturers, you would only have the 'business class' systems to look at.
So, if you are looking at being Vista free for at least a few more months, I would suggest a Dell for now. If you want Vista, then every vendor is open to you.

I say build your own if possible. Both HP and Dell have purchased high end system builders Hp has Falcon and Dell Alienware.
The problem is that both companies customer services are terrible. i have an alienware computer it cost me $5000 to buy but after my experience with the dell customer service people I will swap out my m-board and build another before i wait 90 days to get my system back again. and i purchased the at home service for $300. so avoid the aggravation buy a large tower swap you m-board and replace and our build your own computer. i didnt mention HP because they are just terrible low end bottom of the barrel builders the only thing good from them are their printers which they give lousy support. So if you buy a new system and want support for it be wary of who you are buying from because bad support will leave a bad taste in your mouth.

I've been using Dell for over 4 years; of the various product lines & models used, the only problem ever was a hard drive that failed in its 3rd year; Dell had a technician with a replacement on-site the next day.

My experiences with HP/Compaq have not been terrible, but there have been enough, both in number & kind, that I'm disinclined to take another chance with them.

low end boxes from anywhere are going to be more troublesome.
Even if building my own box, buying the low end components means I may have issues down the road. That is a main reason that I usually end up spending $$$$ to get a good system up and running.

But yes, I got a shipment of DC7700sff systems, and these have been full of problems. low cost -- and barely worth it.
And the funny thing, you hit it on the nose, power issues seem to be the plague on these. However, disabling power management in the BIOS has resolved most of the issues.

I actually had one of these all setup and working fine, I placed it at the users desk and could not get the DVD burner to read a cd. replaced the cd drive and it killed the keyboard and mouse. replaced those and it has worked fine since????
I still do not trust this model though.

For the most part I have been happy with the HP equipment that we have. And for home models I have a Pavilion desktop which works fine (when I use it anymore).

I've had great luck with both, as well as terrible luck with both. Just depends on what model from which maker decides to be lemon of the year!

If you have a couple specific models in mind, I'd recommend looking up the ratings (Cnet.com, consumerreports.org), and using that to help make your decision.

Also, don't just limit yourself to those two brands. If another brand (Toshiba notebook, for instance) falls within your price range, and gets good ratings/reviews, by all means, take a good look.

Good luck with your search!