Hi, I'm Andy and I wish to purchase a laptop for the purpose of learning Linux
I've done a little research and have heard suggestions for IBM/Dell

I've yet to find a cheap Dell laptop
but I've stumbled upon the...

Lenovo g560:
http://talklaptops.info/2010/04/leno...6793ju-review/
I've read some reviews where the machines have broken down after a few months use, I've kept that in mind
$700AUS

Acer emachine E642
http://www.vgcomputing.com.au/nsacer...G50MN-7HP.html
Not sure about compatability with Linux, I've checked the linux laptop site and haven't found it in the Acer section
$700AUS

Primarily I would like a laptop to learn linux, but secondly also to game on (Heroes of newerth, TF2, etc), I know the Lenovo has a very poor graphics card and won't play alot of games. But if there's a better suggestion out there I'm all ears, ideally I'd like to keep the price range around $700AUS mark and would like to have the numpad as well.

Thank you in advance
(Also, I didn't know whether to post in newbies or laptop section, sorry in advance and move this thread if neccessary)

In my opinion the only concern is the chip set used for wireless networking. It seems that chip sets made by Atheros is more likely to work with little or no problems. Chip sets made by Broadcom can be a problem to set up.

Agree. Broadcom and Relatek are real headache. The newer chipset more chances you have it unsupported [yet].

would it be possible to suggest me a decent laptop then?

You mention wanting to play games: TF2 is a heavy game that requires good graphics card/chip. Based on that, you'll need a laptop with nvidia graphics. Yes, ATI would also work but not as good or hassle free. With your low budget there aren't many laptops fitting your criteria as the new laptops with nvidia chips usually cost top dollar. Maybe look at used laptops?
I have a 5 years old Sony Vaio 1.8Ghz celeron + nvidia 6400Go, in 3d games, it performs better than my girlfriend's brand new Vaio 2.4Ghz dual core + ati radeon mobile.

Out of two laptops in your OP i would go for Acer purely cuz you need 3d gaming: Acer has a ATI graphics and Lenovo has no 3d at all. Ideally though i'd keep looking untill i find a laptop with nvidia.

Maybe this one?

http://www.misco.co.uk/applications/...314&CatId=2524

thanks Rizzy, I'll definately add that to my list I was thinking more older games like WoW and stuff, TF2 was sorta a benchmark I shouldn't of put, sorry for the confusion
it's probably stupid to ask, but I'm guessing it's compatible with most linux programs out there?
anyway,
keep the suggestions coming I'm not restricted to $700AUS I can afford to go a little over if it's worth it

HCL may come handy:
http://www.linuxquestions.org/hcl/index.php/cat/507

If you're playing games, select the video. Get extra ram. Personally, I wouldn't seek a Dell.
You ideally want nvidia video; you cannot have Intel, and don't want ATI/AMD. You want extra ram.

Things like chipsets are peanuts beside that. Some Broadcom chips are a PITA, Acer can be dodgy cos all their bells and whistles don't in linux and nobody has bothered coding for them. Broadcom wifi is now mainly supported
though I wouldn't claim it's the fastest. I'm using a bcm4312 in my laptop without issues.
http://www.linuxwireless.org/en/users/Drivers/B43