@marmistrz

I don't recommend 15.6inch laptops.
They're big, heavy, and not very portable.

I really really suggest 13.3 inch models.
They can be carried around in your arm. They fit easily into most bags.

Get 8GB of DDR3 RAM.
4GB is only enough for 720p computers with regular HDD's. They're slow and aging badly.
I repeat, get 8GB's, you will thank me later.

Linux will use those hybrid SSD-HDD's properly like Windows. So don't worry, the small (4GB - 80GB) SSD portion will be used by the OS and key Programs. The HDD stores your media and other Programs, which don't need the speed of an SSD.

And also grab one with Windows 7 / 8.
It's always useful for class, when there's a specific software you need to use.
And if you're going to give the laptop away or sell it, it helps A LOT to have Windows on it. Just dual-boot it with Linux.

As I said before, don't buy a laptop with a Graphics Card.
It's not that good. It makes the laptop worse (fatter, heavier, hotter, low battery life).
Use a dedicated machine for gaming like a console or a desktop gaming pc.

It's always best to buy the best laptop, and not customize it.
Customizing it will cost you more money, void the warranty, you can potentially break the laptop, and sometimes the parts aren't suitable for it (too hot or too noisy).

You cannot change graphics cards on laptops, in fact you can't even change RAM on most, or remove the battery (need extra special torx screws). You can only change SSD or the HDD.

And here's some brands you should be looking at (from best to worst):
- Apple
- Lenovo
- ASUS
(big gap)
- Samsung, Toshiba, HP, Dell, Acer, Alienware
(big gap)
- Any other brand.

If Linux is a must, make sure you buy a laptop with a specific model number that already runs a distro fine. Source, Drivers, and Builds are always a concern. A laptop that is 6-18 months old is probably the sweet spot.


Let us all know if there's anything you want to ask.