i'm in the market for a laptop, and this one on the far right over here looks perfect for what i need to do with it. the basic stuff: internet, email, some programming in C, C++, JBuilder etc - little multimedia and no gaming. the hardware is up to par considering my budget and needs; and the wireless network piece that works right out of the box is beautiful.

the other two look pretty sweet as well, but i'll be traveling with it, and the smaller 12" size is a preference. i think i'm missing why this smaller laptop is cheaper??

i like the idea of avioding some american brand name and instead supporting someone who knows what they're doing with linux, and not having to waste time getting all the hardware to work; i need something that will work straight out of the box and be reliable thereafter. this looks like it.

am i on target with this, or should i just bite the bullet and buy one from some lousy retail store and get it to work myself, however saving a few hundred dollars. lastly, if anybody's had good dealings with this company, please chime in.

any input is appreciated.

In my opinion, you are not getting answers because you are asking conflicting questions. I say this with absolutely no desire to offend, but merely to point that fact out.

You mention a desire to avoid American brands; want something which will work out of the box; but wonder if maybe you should try to save money. That pretty much eliminates any usable advice. for alternatives.

IMO, you simply need to make your own decision.

In 1998, I bought a Compaq laptop. The only reason I was unable to make the switch to linux was a problem logging onto attglobal.net due to a nonintuitive log in. I made it dual boot and it worked great. I even made a book using LyX of my army letters for my kids on that sucker. Now I have a Dell and it worked perfectly for 18 months, then it developed a NIc problem.

A lot of laptops can be made to work very well, including the winmodems. This is more work. However, right now you can get a Dell laptop for around $800. It is all tradeoff, what is most important to you. Non-american; preinstalled; or cheap. IT's your call.

However, one last thought. Even a preinstalled machine will eventually require you to learn some of the linux detail stuff which would be mandatory if you install. There ain't no such thing as a free lunch nor is there such a thing (yet) as a completely trouble free OS.