I'm looking into buying a notebook and this will be my first notebook purchase. I know a little about computer parts because i built my desktop that I use now. I looked at each website and customized each notebook to have the same components that I want and the HP comes out to be cheaper than the Dell. I'm in college right now and I want to get a notebook that I can take to the library or other places to study. The companies I'm looking into are either Dell or HP. I plan on using the notebook for word processing, music, movies, a little bit of gaming, etc... There are guys in my dorm that say either one will work for what I want to do, but I'd like to get some more feedback. Any info will help. Thanks.

All things being equal HP is the better choice; I think you get a little more for your money. I use two laptops; one is an HP (personal) and the other a Dell (business). I like them both, but the HP costs less for about the same equipment. The reliability is about the same, as is service, though for the home user HP has slight edge.

Vincent