I've run Ubuntu on Dell, Sony, and (presently) Alienware laptops, all 
without a problem. Ubuntu tries extra-hard to make sure that this is the 
case with wireless, Bluetooth, webcams, etc. so as far as distros go 
that might be your best option, but since it's all I've ever run my 
perspective lacks scope.

I'd say back into it--spec a laptop you'd like, and then have a poke 
around the web and see if anyone is having problems, remembering that no 
news is probably good news in this case.
-Jon

On 12/14/2011 11:51 AM, Ellen Wilson wrote:
> I have an Acer laptop that I bought for $298 at Walmart, so it's hardly top of the line. However, I installed Ubuntu on it with absolutely zero problems.
>
> On the Windows side, it runs Portal, so I'm happy.
>
> Ellen
>
> Ellen Knowlton Wilson
> Instructional Services Librarian
> Room 250, University Library
> 5901 USA Drive North
> University of South Alabama
> Mobile, AL 36688
> (251) 460-6045
> [log in to unmask]
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Chris Fitzpatrick<[log in to unmask]>
> Date: Wednesday, December 14, 2011 10:32 am
> Subject: [CODE4LIB] Linux Laptop
> To: [log in to unmask]
>
>
>> I just had a Howard Beale moment with Apple. I'm mad as hell and I'm
>> not going to take it anymore.
>>
>>   I'm curious what people can suggest for linux laptop?
>>   Any suggestions for distros and hardware?
>>
>>   thanks. b,chris.
>>