Good laptops on a budget

Hi, this post will just record some findings that I made while searching for laptops. It may prove helpful to you. Being a very cost conscious buyer (and I really mean very!), I was intent on avoiding all that could reduce the computer's utility to me. I wanted it to run Linux (without VMware) and so I wanted hardware which would run under it. I also wanted a durable machine which could be serviced if needed. 'Dell' automatically became my choice as my friends had bought it and didn't really have any complaints. They give some amount of customizability at their purchase website. This is hearsay- so take it with a pinch of salt: I have heard HP-Compaq laptops aren't good at having drivers available for the long term, especially if you plan to play around with multiple OSes. Also, other brands are not well established like Dell- Gateway, Acer etc.. Toshiba looked good to me, but my friend advise against it for whatever reason. Some good models for budget-minded buyers I found were:
(you could get these prices around Nov 2007-- probably after applying some coupons at deals2buy.com and such sites)

Inspiron 1420N- comes preloaded with Ubuntu Linux - in this age of VMware, we don't really need to buy this- but it assures peace of mind that the hardware will definitely run some Linux (with all sound, display and networking features being usable) - for around $800

Vostro 1520- circa $750

1500- around $620

1700- around $850

E1405- $900(pre-'coupon rebate')

If you are planning to run Linux directly (not as a virtual machine), try to make sure you browse some forums dedicated to running your laptop model with Linux on the Internet. Dell has such forums maintained by the company I suppose, where consumers exchange info. Especially watch out for Intel 3945 card requirement and graphics card issues.

If you are just wanting to stay connected, check e-mail, watch movies, run regular Windows, MS Office etc., don't waste time- just buy a budget model from any established brand for $600 or less. But, I would still say Dell rocks for that, especially their net based purchase and after sales support considered. Make sure you get the best processor you can buy because that is one component you cannot upgrade unlike RAM or other things. Ports are also an important criteria: do you use USB (if so how many), IR, Bluetooth? Good luck on your purchase, if you are going to own a new one soon! [I think refurbished laptops are also good provided you are not going to have serious time loss if something goes bad (small % chance in which case you may be able to use warranty) and you are spending veyr less say <$(800-900)].