Looking for standard Linux + Windows Laptop

Hi, I'm looking for a laptop that's suitable for dual boot windows and linux. Requirements are fairly basic, as listed below. Some constraints on the manufacturer, as work is getting it. Options are: Toshiba, Sony, Acer, Compaq, IBM. Please recommend a few options in case I can't get the most desirable.

1) What is your budget?

£1000

2) What size notebook would you prefer?

15-16" model - Widescreen would be nice, but not necessary.

3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?

Dual boot machine, modelling and simulation packages with work (mainly just severe number crunching), usual internet (voip important) etc.

4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?

To and from work + flights in Europe.

5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?

Nope.

6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?

Options are: Toshiba, Sony, Acer, Compaq, IBM.

7) How many hours of battery life do you need?

Around 3 hours would be good.

8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?

Its going to be online through work.

9) What country are you buying this in?

UK - England.

10) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?

Not sure.

11) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?

Not important to me.

12) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?

No.

13) How long do you want this laptop to last?

2 - 3 years.

14) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 120GB?

100GB.

15) Do you need a DVD, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-R drive?

No critical, but at least CD burner and DVD player.


The main thing is to get as much functionality as possible out of it. Control over processor speed would be desirable. Wireless desirable. Had redhat on a Dell Inspiron 8000 a while ago and liked it but that machine is nearing death.

Thanks in advance...!

Murray

 

Check out the IBM T4x series, Dell i8x00, Dell Latitude D800 Series.

These laptops are in order of best linux compatibility.

 

Thanks DJ. Actually looking at Sony SZ series. Seems to be compatible, powerful enough and small.

Any thoughts?

VAIO SZ1M/B
Intel Core Duo T2300 (1.66GHz), 512Mb RAM, 80GB Hard Disk, 13.3" WXGA X-Black LCD, Dual Layer DVD+/- RW, NVIDIA GeForce Go 7400, WiFi 802.11a/b/g, 1.69Kg.

 

Check online to see if anyone has had issues installing linux onto that sony.

 

What programs are you number crunching with? I use mathcad, mathematica, femlab, and flexpde. Lots of fun. You REALLY ought to hold out for a 64 bit dual core model, as ALL my number crunching goes MUCH faster on the dual core 64 bit machine I have at work. Even if your number crunching app isn't multi-threaded, the extra core will let you keep using the laptop for other tasks while the one core crunches.