My wife and I bought one of [link|http://www.compusa.com/overstock/product_info.asp?product_code=315189&pfp=OVERSTOCK|these] for use in our travels in the motor home. While not traveling, my wife will use it with some quilting robot software. Indeed, we had to make sure it had a parallel port for that use. Anyway, the Windows XP stays on it so I cannot tell you if there are issues with installing Linux.

It's very feature rich with built in wireless, firewire, NIC, S-video, modem, 5-in-1 integrated Digital Media Card reader, etc. On the down side, it is large and heavy if you intend to tote it on your body. Also, the battery is not long lasting and it has no built in floppy drive.

So far (~3 months), it's performed well for us.