hp more on business and high range entrainment,
compaq is more on low range, and with high failure rate,
anyway, this is just a comment from a kl boy,(malaysia), i dont know how the reputation in ur country... hope it help,
anyway, what is the usage for ur new notebook, if u looking for one with low failure rate, and less trouble, u can try hp, but if on budget wise, then too bad la, go for compaq