The March 2010 issue of PCWorld, starting on page 78, summarizes the ratings assigned by ~45,000 readers to all manner of electronic gadgetry. I was taken aback on reading that Hewlett-Packard products rated low-to-lowest in every applicable category.
     About a month ago I purchased an HP computer with a wireless mouse, keyboard and printer. Thus far the entire system appears to be first rate, but I doubt I would have bought it if I had read PCWorld's evaluation in advance.
     The best ratings were accorded Acer products, running neck-and-neck with Apple, and that surprised me too.
Seán

 
Over the years I've had numerous acquaintances make the (IMO) not-good decision to buy an HP system.

First six months, mostly all was fine.

Next six months, mostly all was okay-ish but with just enough quirky "Huh...?"s to make their owners anywhere from a lil' to a LOT anxious.

Thereafter... crap shoot all the way for most of 'em.

I do have one friend who's 1999 HP-Windows 2000 system is still running and serves her needs perfectly w/ nary a burp.

*CJ