I'm looking to get my comptia linux+ cert soon, and I wanted to get a laptop I could use to mess around w/ linux on for the cert.

I realize linuxquestions offers the HCL, but I was hopping for a range of opinions as some products will only have like 1 review. It doesn't have to be new, to be honest would like not to spend $1500 just for this cert. Looking to find out what are good brands/models. What I mean is I currently have a toshiba satellite 1.8ghz centrino. Not brand new but fairly recent. When I tried to load linux on it I discovered that neither the built in wireless or wired ethernet adapter was really supported by linux. Yukon Marvell series network adapters which were used alot by toshiba had drivers issue with linux.

so yeah if could recommend a notebook where everything was easily detected during linux install would be greatly appreciated.

You could just use google and find a manufacturer with linux pre-installed and buy one of those?

how do you mean? I didn't think new laptops came w/ linux pre-installed? or are there people that buy used laptops throw linux on and sell?

I thought walmart did it.

You could also refer to the linux-on-laptops site see how to fix the issues you are having with the laptop you have, or choose one that is supported well. LOTS of info on that site.
http://www.linux-on-laptops.com/toshiba.html

also check out tuxmobile
http://tuxmobil.org/toshiba.html

Personally I find my Dell Inspiron to be well supported.

If you want to buy something else but not spend a lot of money, USED equipment can be a good deal.. For instance I purchased a Dell Desktop 2.8Ghz 512MB RAM, 40GB SATA HD, CDROM for around $200.00 I can't put a box together with those specs myself for that price.. They also sell laptops..
http://www.intechraoutlet.com/

Just a thought.

Try Mandriva 2007. It should support your gigabit ethernet NIC out-of-the-box. I'm sure other distros will soon too. And if not, you could always compile your own kernel.

Unlike other chipset manufacturers, Intel directly supports open source and Linux.
http://www.intel.com/cd/channel/rese...ture/index.htm

Yes, laptops and desktops come with linux pre-installed if you just google for em.