Need your opinion! What laptop should i get?!

[gvigorus]

Hi. Just a quick question. I'm ready to upgrade to a faster laptop. Currently run Xubuntu 8.10 on Dell Inspiron 4000. All works great, but my media is super slow and can't use webcam, because skype crashes. So, which laptop would you recommend? All i need is strong media support, wifi and webcam. I'd especially like a laptop with a built in camera. Please, let me know what you think, especially helpful if you can recommend something from personal experience.
Many thanks
S

[binbash]

I am using asus f3sr and everything works perfect out of the box(camera, sound, etc).If you write or link to the notebook you are thinking to buy, i can say it will work out of the box or not.

[forkandles]

Generally speaking you will not go far wrong with either Dell or HP laptops for Linux compatibility.

The Dell Vostro is reviewed here.

http://blog.ptpbs.com/?p=37

You may be more interested in a Dell Inspiron 1525 or similar.

For HP try their Pavilion hp5 or hp7 models.

Once you have found the laptop with the features you require at a suitable price, double check on here that your chosen laptop is fully Linux compatible.

It is good to see that you are checking Linux compatibility BEFORE purchasing the laptop and not afterwards.

[Vadi]

Why not buy a laptop with Ubuntu preinstalled? Everything works, plus you get good support! -> http://system76.com/index.php?cPath=28

[EdThaSlayer]

Get an Asus F8series. I use one at the moment and the webcam works both in skype, amsn/kopete, and with cheese. :)

[gvigorus]

Thanks for all the input folks! My goal is to get something used, inexpensive. I like the idea of getting 17" screen HP Pavilion, that sounds really nice.
Many thanks again!