I did investigate getting my VAIO shipped with Linux, but the only one on offer was RH6.2 and the Sony dealer was very reluctant. In the end, my own research showed that RH6.2 would not be up to snuff on the VAIO I eventually bought. 7.1, OTOH, would be a much better choice.

Wade, who hasn't actually installed Linux on his laptop yet, but has booted the RH7.1 CD on it...