Notebook for Linux -- Inspiron 600M or 700M

I am a first time buyer. Looking for a portable notebook, mainly to be used during my an hour commute to work and an hour back home. So portability and weight and battery life is important. Which of these is more robust and reliable? I don't care about looks, color etc.
Also, I need to load Linux to on it - which of these is Linux compatible? Will be working on Linux a lot. I am planning to buy with a min 512Mb Ram and 60-80Gb HDD. Wireless options are important too.

I've heard bad stories about 700M keyboard, that it is somewhat difficult to use. I have small hands, but that doesn't mean I will get used to it. Does the extra power battery for 700M increase the weight substantially?

Appreciate suggestions from experienced buyers. I am willing to consider other brands and models.

Thanks!

 

Forgot to add: I'll be using mainly to do some wordprocessing, programming, browsing, run database on linux, listening music/view DVD. Not for playing games.

 

The advantage of the 600m is getting an extended battery with a modular battery that can have extended battery life. It doesn't have brightview or a widescreen whereas the 700m does.

The 700m is portable but will require the 8 cell battery. It appears to add about 10 oz. It protrudes from the back. I would have bought this one if it weren't for the smaller keyboard. Check www.anandtech.com for an exhaustive review. 700 m has Firewire capabilities. This is my choice between the two (with 8 cell battery, that is). My colleague has it and the WXGA is nice.



Dell Inspiron 6000
1.6 GHZ Centrino (Sonoma)
WUXGA 15.4" WS
512 MB RAM
60 GB HD
Wireless B/G
DVD/CD-RW
9 Cell Battery x 2
Mozilla Firefox Browser
Targus TL Deluxe Notebook Case
Targus Gravity Notebook Backpack
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Palmone Tungsten C/WIFI

 

I've read the 700M's keyboard is very small and so are the key buttons. I have small hands, but I am not good at typing ( i use the Backspace key often [ ])

Any opinions from experiences with 700M's keyboard?

Thanks.