Hardware Recommendations Needed/Semi-Noob

[Corelogik]

I am mostly a noob with Linux. I tried switching from Windows to Linux (SuSE, don't remember the version but it was pre-novell) once years ago and had some small problems. Nothing major, mostly just my understanding of things. Anyway I have spent the last 7 years in Mac OS X. Switching doesn't scare me like it does most of the people that consider it. I know that the answers to my questions and solutions to my needs are out there, I just need to find them.

That brings me to my first question for the guru's here. I like to have 2 computers. A desktop and a Laptop. I normally buy my computers in pairs. I don't know why, it just seems like the right way to do it for me. Anyway, I have been doing some research and it seems like the time is right to give Linux another go.

Ubuntu seems to be the way to go for Linux these days so I am looking at pre-installed systems. My understanding of Linux is limited enough that I don't feel comfortable at this time, trying an install myself.

I have looked at the offerings from Dell and from System 76. I'm looking at a set of Dell Inspiron's (1525N & 530N) or the Darter Ultra & either the Koala Mini or the Sable Performance from System 76. Which would you guys recommend? I would rather have 2 computers, one for the desk and one to take with me, but I can get just one (beefed up a bit) if that is the preferred method.

I am willing to and plan on learning as much as I can about Linux, I already support open source in any way I can. I just need something that works out of the box to get me started. I don't need to spend a lot of time learning how to install it until I feel comfortable just using it.

I am sure I will be back for more information about software and the ins and outs of using the system, but that should get me started.

TIA for any info.
~Core

[Gausian]

When choosing hardware for linux, I have 2 words that i keep in mind:

1. Intel (CPU)
2. Nvidia (GPU)

These 2 have the best compatibility imo.

Secondly, dont fear installing ubuntu on your own. It has to be the easiest installing OS on the planet, and there is a plethora of info and how tos in this forum.

[Bucky Ball]

When choosing hardware for linux, I have 2 words that i keep in mind:

1. Intel (CPU)
2. Nvidia (GPU)

These 2 have the best compatibility imo.

Secondly, dont fear installing ubuntu on your own. It has to be the easiest installing OS on the planet, and there is a plethora of info and how tos in this forum.

Agreed, but when it comes to processors, either/or with Intel or AMD. Wireless cards, on the other hand, are a different kettle of fish and Intel is a good choice. The desktop installer is a breeze and if you've installed *******, you will be able to get through this no probs. And welcome to the forums ...

[Corelogik]

Thanks for the responses, but they beg a couple of further questions. The 2 systems I am looking at from Dell are,

Inspiron 530N for the desktop with the following specs;

Intel® Core™2 Duo processor E4600 (2MB L2, 2.4GHz, 800 FSB)
Ubuntu 8.04 with DVD Playback
22 inch E228WFP Widescreen Digital Flat Panel
3GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz - 4 DIMMs
250GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst Cache™
16x DVD+/-RW Drive
Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3100
Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio
Dell USB Keyboard and Dell Optical USB Mouse
IEEE 1394a Adapter
Dell A525 30 Watt 2.1 Stereo Speakers with Subwoofer
Integrated 10/100 Ethernet

$749

And the Inspiron 1525N for the laptop with the following specs;

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T5550 (1.83GHz/667Mhz FSB/2MB cache)?
Ubuntu 8.04 with DVD Playback
Glossy, widescreen 15.4 inch display (1280x800)
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz
Size: 120GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
CD / DVD Writer (DVD+/-RW Drive)
Intel® 3945 802.11a/g Mini-card
Integrated 2.0M Pixel Webcam
56Whr Lithium Ion Battery (6 cell)
High Definition Audio 2.0
Integrated 10/100 Network Card

$674

Both have the intel X3100 for graphics. Will this be a problem?
I am assuming that the wireless in the 1525N will work when I get it, so is that a bad choice?
I will need to be able to connect them both to my wireless router and each other, so what is a good choice for an add on wireless card for the 530N Desktop system?

Thanks again for all the info.

~Core