I dont think there are a lot of problems with running Ubuntu on a laptop.
I run with my own from a livedisc sometimes, that gives no problem, the only
trouble I could come to think is with a wrong chipset if the chipset is
supported there should be no problem (chipset meaning hardware)......

The best thing to do is try to check with the hardware provider. Some of them
have the OS's listed others don't. The hard way is to go through all the
hardware and check for compliance. Most of the issues are in video and USB.

>From what I've read in the net the big problems are things like the
laptop keeps running when you close the lid, not the correct resolution
on the screen and a whole bunch of minor, but very important details.

And, since most pc's and laptops are sold with a system and that system
being Windows, well you pay for win even if you don't use the
thing :( And that is not something I'd do, buy something i do not use.

I am running Ubuntu on a Sony Vaio PCG-FRV27. I am actually having
absolutely no problems currently. Had to replace my hard drive but thats
about it and not because of Ubuntu.

Well that's nice but I am talking about a full installation NOT a live
cd (which I don't use).

I recently bought a new laptop from system76.com with Ubuntu fully
pre-installed. Works great, and it seems like a very reliable company
so far.

I have Ubuntu Edgy on mine and it loaded easily ant picked up my
wireless connection to the router straight away with only the input of the
normal address's. I downloaded the ISO and burnt it to a CD so easily.

What kind of laptop do you have?..................

On this note there is a Canadian vendor that sells laptops loaded with
Ubuntu or fedora
www.thelinuxstore.ca/index.php\
d=1235

My Acer Aspire 9400 is fine and I have 4 friends with other Acer models
that had no problems other than out univerity's odd wifi authentication.

Something I notice about stores that sell linux (any distro)
preinstalled is, the systems themselves are just as or more expensive
than Windows systems. I purchased a ThinkPad recently with a 2.0CPU, 1GB
ram, 80GB hd, 15" dvd-rw for $733.

If it were me what I would do is, go through this list
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/HardwareSupportMachinesLaptops?highlight=%
28laptop%29
find the laptop you like, and purchase that laptop. If you looks like it
will install - great!

Personally, I just setup a Gateway laptop for a customer and Ill
probably install ubuntu as a duel boot because its a nice little system.
For my own machine - I like Thinkpads.

I'm not familiar with others, but in the case of System 76, they do
quite a bit of work developing drivers and other software, so the
expense may be justified. I doubt most of us could obtain the level of
functionality their engineers coax from machines, unless you happen to
be lucky enough to have a hardware configuration that is 100% compatible
with any Linux distro; something I've yet to encounter.

Mine can with Win Media and it does not run when shut, in fact I have had
several and they all shut down as a safety feature.

A Medion with an Intel 3200mhz processor and 1024mg RAM, bought from Aldi
the German supermarket branch here. Constant bargains and top of the range
computers and equipment alongside the groceries.