Compaq..! I am using one, the most common crib people have is the optical drive issue.. have had to get it changed twice in two years... I had an acer before this and it never gave me any issues....
You can have a look at the MSI Cr 420 SERIES, i3 370m and about 27 grands... very vfm, in fact it is the most.well built among the budget series...
Lenovo's thinkpad series are excellent, ideapad not so much.. I'd say in your budget stick to msi or asus, their build quality will be way better than what an hcl, acer or an hp can give you...