Definitely a good choice. But, a little pricier than some of the others. A MacBook is not a bad choice either (what I have). I run Ubuntu and Windows 7 (and a couple of others) via Parallels.

Tim

I second (third?) the recommendation for macbook/pros.. they run windows (if that floats your boat) better than most windows machines anyway: a single driver installer package that gets auto-update is a win in my book.

I'd recommend Thinkpad T series as well. Used it on my previous job, and have to say they are quite sturdy, can take a lot of beating.

Thanks for the replys people. I actually took a good look at the Macbook Pro (<-link to specs/price)because a few of you suggested it but after comparing it I just can't justify getting a slower machine with less RAM, Video, CPU and Hard drive for more $$ than anything in it's class. The fact that I would not be using the Mac OS is a factor as well, I'd have to buy a copy of Windows and dual boot with Linux. (I like windows what can I say)
I think I've decided on the Samsung Q320 , which has better specs and a sealed keybord for $200 less than the Macbook. Here are the ful specs and price for the Q320, if anyone has any reason for not getting the Q320 I would appreciate any info. I will be buying tomorrow night and I have 14 days to return if anyone thinks this is a bad deal/machine. Thanks again.

Clinton

I can see why you don't like Mac, personally, I try to stay away from them - I really cant stand their advertising with all the lies in the Mac vs PC debate and the whole - be an individual - image that they portray while offering a choice of three models. I also think Steve Jobs is a jerk (although its more of an undisputed fact).

Sorry to hear about the 680m, I'm still running my 700m with Ubuntu that I bought almost five years ago.

I've heard good things about Samsung laptops, although they don't have as long a track record as some of the other guys.

Oh and this screenshot from the Samsung page is the funniest lie I've seen in a while.... apparently a 'Conventional' display is looking at photos that you took of your CRT TV from the 80s

Yeah i saw that. Funny, but it does have better performance than the 9400m. Well according to all the notebook review sites I've been reading. :-)

Clinton

I'll join the Lenovo suggestion.

They are like anti-Apple for me:

they have a premium price also, but instead of fancy looks you get durability, a specs that really matches the money spent, and you don't need any tricks or 3rd party software to run the OSes that matters. They look ugly, but they are the best hands down.

Yeah i looked ar the Lenovo. They are way over priced for what you get. I really dont need a buisness machine that's built like a tank. :-) thet seem to be really pricey and limited in fearures intown. I only say intown because id like to try it out (see uf it fits my needs) with the option to easily return if it does not.

Clinton

like i said on the other laptop post, personally i wouldnt buy a dell.
less important components are budget and poor quality, and they feel cheap to me. (personal oppinion).
Also, another note: i wouldn't buy a macbook. apple charge incredibly high prices for hardware that just isnt worth that much, the best part of a macbook is the screen quality (in fairness, i was very impressed), but the rest i wouldnt say is worth it.