Yea, i would, The compaqs have seem to taken the more "techy" approach in looks and performance. Meaning the compaqs are trying to be more gamer friendly now a days.
for example these 2 comps are exactly the same machines, just different price, and looks. ( and now a larger harddrive it seems)
Compaq: $599
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Compaq-Presario-Desktop-PC-SR1230NX-/sem/rpsm/oid/109034/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do
HP: $529
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/HP-Pavilion-Desktop-PC-A700N-/sem/rpsm/oid/100000/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do
edit
and do not get a dell. Unless you like low grade machines.
Quote from dell back when : "Dell comes equiped with Intel Pentium 4 Processors"
Now : "Dell comes equiped with Intel celeron Processors "