[PLUG] R32 ate own hard drive -- recommendations for new purchase?

[mmalten@comcast.net]

My 4-year-old Thinkpad R32 bit the dust -- or at least its hard drive -- this AM.  Even my rescue disk couldn't talk to the hard drive.  

Yes, it is available for those who might be scavenging for parts, but I digress.

I need a new machine.  I'd like recommendations on what to get and where to get it. For the past ten years or so, I've been using laptops as desktop replacements, and www.linux-on-laptops.net as an adjunct to Consumer Reports in my buying choices.  

I'm not terribly demanding. I was happy with the R32, which had 768 MB of RAM.   Before that, I used Toshibas.  In all three cases, I bought when the technology had just become "old," which helped control the budget.  Since the two Toshibas, ten and seven years old, are still working productively for my parents, I think I'd like to stick with Toshiba-grade engineering or something close to it.

 My only hard requirement is -- surprise, surprise -- Linux-friendly.  I'm a Debian person, but it's my 3rd distro -- I started out with Red Hat and moved to Mandrake.  I s'pose it's time to learn Ubuntu.

I live in Center City, so I'd be happier going somewhere in the city (or accessible to public transit) where I could make my purchase, go home and set up.  I'll be browsing Staples (both of them in CC) this afternoon.  

Any advice, or advisories -- i.e., machines to avoid?


Thanks in advance.



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