Hello @ll!

I'm wondering about buying a new laptop and would like to know your opinion about the usual brands: sony, dell, toshiba, etc...

Your experiences about it would be very helpful for me: which are easier to install and manage linux; which are more robust (in general), etc.

I always thought that Toshiba was a good brand (one of the best), but recently somebody has told me that it is just ok, so now I don't trusy myself any more

By the way I would install ubuntu. I like that it is debian-based and that I heard it's easy for non-experienced (my sister would also use it).

Thank you very very much,

Kermit

Try to find a loptop, that suits you on:
http://www.linux-on-laptops.com

Try to find a loptop, that suits you on:
http://www.linux-on-laptops.com

Try to find a loptop, that suits you on:
http://www.linux-on-laptops.com

Wow, I found bug in Konqueror

Have a look here : http://www.linux-laptop.net/ for a lot of information on running linux on laptops. As for hardware reliability, most laptops are not all that rugged. You need to be careful with them. Levono makes the ThinkPads tese days, and they are about as good as it gets.

I have heard a couple of podcasts (e.g. Linux Link Tech show) speak very highly of system76 (http://www.system76.com/). This outfit sells Laptops with Linux pre-installed.

Kermit,

You mentioned getting a NEW laptop, but didn't add what price range you needed (wanted), to stay in. This info might assist folks in directing you to something that might end up on your lap. It also looks like your in Spain, and this might affect what is available to you and what it costs.

I personally use ThinkPads and ToughBooks. I usually run Suse and Sled 10, but I have ran them all, and have some that run others for specific reasons. This is what works for me. It is really difficult to pick Distros and girlfriends for other people. We can give advice and direction, but some day it will be your choice. You might even find that those choices change over time.

Others have given you good advice. I will add this. Pick one and stick to it. Use it, break it, fix it, and learn it. When the time is right you can then look around and make informed choices that are good for you. I see alot of newbies stating they tried half a dozen distros in their first week and aren't having fun. This is like trying to learn how to drive a manual shift car by test driving a different car each day for a week. Shuffling around is only going to be a distraction for you, it's learning to drive Linux that you need to be paying attention to.

Best of luck.

James