I've had better luck than that with a Dell c640.  I did get the
overheating issue but I think it is resolved with the 2.6 kernel. 
There was a specific program that I ran i8kbuttons from the Debian
packages that helped the overheating issue.  However, you had to run
the application all the time and it constantly ran the fans.

My suggestion with a laptop is to get a popular low end model.  If you
have the opportunity, use a Knoppix CD at the store to make sure that
most of the devices work for you.  Most likely, the internal modem
won't work, but make sure the video card does.

Or I've been eyeing the 4GB palm sized linux computer from Japan with
English translations.  It goes for around $900.  I think it is the
SL-3000.  I'm trying to come up with some justification for getting
this instead of a full laptop for work.

-- 
Jeff Rasmussen
GPG public key 0x9686C12F

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