[OT] Compaq computer reputation question

[Andrew Gould]

I'm looking for a new computer.  I was in Fry's yesterday, looking at
a Compaq that was on sale, when a salesperson recommended HP, saying
that Compaq was their lower end product and that computers with the HP
label had better components.  I remember Compaq computers as being
reliable, but that was long ago.

Is anyone familiar with the current state of Compaq computers in terms
of quality/reliability?  I don't need all the fancy, new multimedia
stuff; but I would like good performance for data crunching (and
watching a DVD or two).

Thanks,

Andrew