Notebook Recommendation

I want to get a notebook that will have Linux as the sole OS. Can you
fine folks share with me your experiences and recommendations as which
brand[s] to consider?

Specifically I'd like to know if there are any special challenges with
the recognition of the built in ethernet and pointing device [eraser
head or touch].

I'll most likely go with RH since that is what I have the most
experience with--although I understand true 'enthusiasts' use Debian
:-) I understand people are quiet passionate about the distro they
use, but I would consider straying from Red Hat if another distro
provided a better notebook optimization.

My goal is to learn Linux well. I don't need the fine polish GUI of
RH, but then again I do not want to operate solely in a CL environment
all the time either.

Thanks,

Mike