Ref: LinuxCNC laptops - OT Compaq

Word of warning on older acer's and linux, I have tested linux on a few and a
lot of the earlier models are a nightmare of hardware issues.
Dell's really are a mixed bag, some are a real pain but others work very well
with linux.
IBM's tend to be good but if you intend buying any laptop to run linux then
google the model first and get a few opinions. Hardware support changes fast
too so look for the most recent info and don't put all you faith in info
that's more than 2 or 3 years old.
As for comp*q, this is the true mark of the beast and anything found bearing
it should be put to death on sight :)
As mentioned earlier, a laptop for use in a workshop should really be
considered disposable. I like the toughbooks and they will take a few falls
but they are only tough on the outside, the screen and keyboard are as
fragile as any other laptop and the touchscreen wont last long with swarf
around.
A cheap, used desktop with a CRT monitor really is the best thing to get, the
hardware is a lot more suitable and unless your getting a laptop for free the
price/performance doesn't compair.