No Endorsement, Just Opinions Sought

Hi. I'm just wondering if anyone can give me a tip or two. I'm buying a new desktop sometime between 12/15 and shortly after Christmas (thinking of waiting for any after Christmas sales), but I'm looking for opinions about a particular brand. I have had good experience with HP computers, but I'm looking at an HP Compaq Presario which has all the specs that I am looking for at a fabulous price. I have one friend who does not look favorably upon Compaq Presarios, but in all honesty, I wouldn't be surprised if he isn't even aware that they are now owned by HP. Well, I exaggerate a bit, but regardless, I'm not looking for an endorsement, just some general opinions on the state of a brand new HP Compaq Presario or a suggestion as to where I could find people's opinions on Compaq's over the most recent 2 or 3 years. If anyone is interested in providing me with any feedback and wants more specifics on what specs I'm looking for, I'd be glad to provide them, but know that I am fully aware of what I want, need, and can afford in a computer. I'm not a gamer. I don't need a media center savvy computer for at least 3 more years, I only want to spend around $500 and I've found what I'm looking for in that price range. I just want to know what the take is on Compaq's.

Thanks in advance.