My sons (college students) have HPs (DM4-2033cl) and love them. They didn't want big screens as they are more difficult to deal with in classes and liked the idea of fingerprint recognition for security. Older son's survived spilled OJ on the keyboard.
For me, I pretty much buy whatever is cheapest just like I did when I was buying desk tops (I do check reviews to make sure it isn't a problem machine). Last time it was $400 for a Gateway. I buy a new one every 3 - 4 years (new one goes to wife and I get the hand-me-down so actually expect to get 6 - 8 years out of them). Have yet to buy an extended warranty on any of them. Had to replace a power jack on one ($75 for parts, labor and shipping) and had one die but it was over 4 years old.