I want to install Linux on my Acer Travelmate 800LCi laptop I use as a desktop replacement. I hate to say this, I want to dual boot with MS Win XP Pro because some programs I need require it.

I've been looking at installing Mandrake 9.2 or SUSE 9.0. I don't know which one to get. I guess which ever distro works the best with my laptop, would be tthe one I would want.

1. Which distro do you think I should get? Is Mandrake the best all around distro for a newbie and installation on an Acer Travelmate 800LCi?

2. What are the pros and cons for Mandrake and SUSE?

I also discovered a company called emperorlinux.com that sells laptops and also installs Linux on laptops you already own, but I'm thinking that would cost quite a bit.

3. My best bet would be to do it myself, huh?

emperorlinux.com says that you have to do a lot of recompiling and patching to the kernel to work on laptops.

4. Does this apply to Mandrake 9.2 and SUSE 9.0 or is the Mandrake and SUSE kernel up to date eough to support my Acer Travelmate 800LCi without recompiling and patching?

Please help me out, It would be much appreciated. Thanks.
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Acer Travelmate 800LCi

Knoppix 3.3 (On CD)
Windows XP Pro
Pentium M Centrino 1.30GHz
1.24 GB Memory (1 GB)
37.2 GB HD FAT32 (40 GB)
CD-RW/DVD combo drive
15.0" XGA+ TFT Display
ATI MOBILITY RADEON 9000 Graphics
802.11b WLAN,
10/100 LAN, V.92 modem