I am a sick computer nerd and an expert when it comes to computer hardware and OS technology, so its weird i would be asking a question. Im starting a project to turn a cheap laptop into a Ubuntu machine. At first i was looking at used laptops from ebay and decided i want a brand new machine to run linux. Since ubuntu doesn't require many system resources, I decided to shop for a laptop in the $400 - 450 price range. I looked on TigerDirect.com, a website which never gave me a problem when shopping for computers. I found the featured deal of the month, a Gateway NV5378U Refurb with AMAZING specs. For $410 I get a decent AMD athlon dual core processor with a clock of 2ghz, 4gb ram, and a 500gb HDD. It also got amazing reviews. However, there are 2 problems. My family and I had HORRIBLE experience with Gateway computers. In 2005 we got a Gateway 7330gz laptop that had the screen replaced 3 times and the DC jack replaced. Despite it having high end specs, it was a sluggish and crappy experience when used. Even with a clean install of XP pro (no recovery disks) it was the same ****. Also since its refurbished, Gateway only gives a 3 month warranty which im concerned about because of the crappy quality of their machines. It isnt my MAIN machine so its not the end of the world if it fails, but i really want a good laptop to run Ubuntu and this machine seems like the best deal.