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Dell inspiron is the best laptop compatible with Linux. HP is really bad as I have owned that laptop and it was the worst experience. It started giving me issues in just 3 months. Dell works the best.
Dell Inspiron is for Home and Home Office. I would not touch it with a 10 ft pole. With Dell I would look at a Latitude, Vostro etc. Stick to the Business products.
Edit 1: Which specific model of HP Laptop did you own?
Edit 2: I have had no problems at all with HP but I only buy their business products. I do agree some of their consumer stuff is complete junk.