(Sorry it's not threaded but only reading via online archives at present).
The HP offering was disappointing. Very half-hearted effort especially not having the wi-fi configured.
One suggestion: get an IBM Thinkpad from ebay and install a mainstream distro. The T series is good (I use a T23) and I have heard good things about the more recent X series as well.
Good build quality. Thinkpads are sturdy. Three year warranty so it is easy to get one with a long warranty period remaining - mine came with 2.5 years remaining. Good support under linux with all mainstream distros - I use Mandrake 10.0 Official (although there is a gotcha with the X-windows config that you need to know about before installing). A linux-thinkpads mailing list and plenty of support and advice can be found via google etc. Lots of support for on IBM websites including linux-specific info. Did I say good build quality? :-)
I added a wi-fi card and a second battery which swaps with the DVD/CD-R. It is an excellent general-purpose machine.
ACPI is apparently problematic with recent 2.6.x kernels. I use APM instead and it works well.
HTH Syd