damn. I can build you a pc and ship it to you
in my experience, HP sucks ass - everyone I have dealt with broke at some point. Compaq too (although the first computer that I purchased was a compaq 286 ages ago and it rocked).. Stay away like everyone else said.
Dell servers are decent machines, if a bit overpriced - I have had few problems with them only but I honestly have never used a Dell PC...
If you can, go to a local computer outlet (in Vancouver we have half a dozen computer stores within a block it seems) and ask them to build you a machine matching the specs on the Dell and you will probably save a hundred bucks or so.
Don't be intimidated by your pc - pull it apart and it is practically self explanatory to put back together.