I agree, I like the HP with the intel processor better myself.
The Processor is the key more than anything else, it is the heart of all computers and the intel processor seems to be the best. It a little bit more expensive but I have experienced fewer problems.
I have heard a lot of complains about some Dell's and other brands like Compact. But it seems to come from their use of cheaper processor chips. The differences may be getting better because of the market pressures and mergers and such, but I am still a little bigoted toward the Intel processor.