[Grim_]

There is absolutely no way to tell without more information explaining the specs and models of the machines. Results would also vary depending on what you are wanting to do with the machine.

However, most of the time HP would be the "better" machine since they are made for higher quality. At the same time, for the price difference between HP and Compaq, with the slight change in performance, I would just go for a rigged Compaq.