I think this is what you are looking for
http://tuxboxcomputers.com/store/customize/18. They pre-load ubuntu but you
have the choice to  not include an OS. They are relatively unknown but
someone recommended them to me when i recently bought a laptop. I ended up
buying a thinkpad instead and after a few hours of work it, i couldn't be
happier.

On Dec 9, 2007 11:15 AM, mike enriquez <mylinux@cox.net> wrote:

> Jason, there are 5 main laptop companies in the world. They are all in
> Asia.
> Three of them and Intel came up with the Intel warrenty program. If you
> get
> a laptop under this program, all major parts are interchangeable and
> replacable. Go to any authorized Intel dealer and ask them about this
> program. They can configure a laptop with all the goodies you want. This
> is
> the direction that laptops are going because of the problem of  getting
> replacement parts.  You will get the same or better laptop than any "Name
> Brand" because they all come from the same 3 manufacturers.
> Good Luck to You!
> Mike
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Jason Hayes" <jason@jasonhayes.org>
> To: "Main PLUG discussion list" <plug-discuss@lists.plug.phoenix.az.us>
> Sent: Saturday, December 08, 2007 9:29 PM
> Subject: OT: looking at laptops
>
>
> > Has anyone out there been looking at laptops lately?
> >
> > I need to pick one up soon. My current system is nearing the end of its
> > life.
> > So I have been looking around for systems that have these general specs.
> >
> > - 17"+ screen
> > - separate video card/memory 128+
> > - full keyboard with separate number pad
> > - wireless (a/b/g/n)
> > - DVD +/- RW / CD-RW (blue ray would be nice but isn't essential)
> > - memory card reader (5- or 7-in-1)
> > - IEEE 1394 port and at least 4 USB
> > - the bigger the HD, the better
> > - I'd be happy with either an Intel or AMD dual core 64 bit
> > - 2+ G of memory
> > - weight and battery life aren't real big deals, but it would be nice if
> > it
> > could be under 8 lbs and can keep running on the battery for 2 hrs or
> > more.
> >
> > I use my laptop as my main system to do a lot of graphics and website
> > design,
> > as well as database management. I also do the standard word processing,
> > presentations, etc. I run VMWare to have Windows ready in the
> background.
> > So
> > I generally have two OSs running, lots of windows open, database,
> > graphics,
> > and web apps all running at the same time.
> >
> > Obviously I would want a system that runs Linux without any hitches.
> >
> > If anyone has seen anything like that around and can send a note or
> > comments
> > on your experiences my way (like troubles with ATI vs. NVIDIA video
> cards,
> > issues with wireless, etc.), it would be appreciated.
> >
> > So far, I have seen systems like
> >
> > Acer Aspire AS7720 at Best Buy
> >
> http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8621707&type=product&id=1193234282708
> >
> > Something in the HP Pavilion dv9500t series
> >
> http://www.shopping.hp.com/series/category/notebooks/dv9500t_series/3/computer_store?jumpid=in_r329_personalization/browse1/home_SDP
> >
> > Toshiba X205-SLi
> >
> http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8553898&type=product&id=1190677997542&DCMP=KNC-TLC&ref=30&loc=KW-1153
> >
> > I'm open to others if you know of them or know where I can find sales or
> > specials.
> >
> > Thanks!!
> >
> > --
> > Jason Hayes
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