Usually, I'd recommend a little research on
Linux on Laptops to see what other people's experience with laptops are like. Unfortunately, this laptop isn't listed there, but a google search might turn up something. The olnly real issue I can see from the specs would be the ATI video. ATI isn't noted for their Linux support, and in all likely hood, you'll have to use the lesser quality open drivers with little to no OpenGL support (note: This is based on forum posts on other sites, and not my personal experience). Probably the easiest way to test drive one of these systems, is to take a Knoppix CD with you. Boot it up and take it for a spin.
