I am looking for a Linux laptop (will set it up as dual boot with WinXP). I would prefer an HP, but have had problems getting Linux installed on HPs in the past, so I am open to something else. Criteria:

* 64 bit, preferably AMD, mostly just so I don't end up buying another one in a year or two.
* Reasonably painless install of the Linux operating system.
* I prefer to use Mandriva 2006, but am flexible on distro.
* 60-100 GB HD
* <$1200

It will be primarily used for general home use (playing music, wordprocessing, simple programming, websurfing, desktop publishing, etc.), maybe some work. I don't really care much about wireless--I prefer to connect via ethernet cable.

Thanks for your help. I haven't been able to get much comfort from the HCL.

I have an Aspire 5002WLMI which I purchased from Circuit City. Linux (CentOS-4.2 x86_64) installed without any real problems. I did have to use ndiswrapper for the wireless and apply a few changes (for personal reasons, like dual booting), but Linux installed without issue.

The current selection looks really good, especially the;

Acer Aspire Notebook PC (AS5004WLMI)
Compaq Presario Notebook PC (V2565US)

I can't say enough good things about my Toshiba and Mandriva. Everything install and worked first time no fooling around.

Thanks. What kind of Toshiba is it? Model #?