It's back to school season again, and I've decided to splurge some money on a new laptop a week or two ago. And of course, a new laptop means that I have to make sure that all the hardware components inside work with Linux, which is never a sure thing...

First things first, exactly what type of laptop was I looking for? Here's what I had after a quick brainstorming session:

• Something within a $500-$1000 CAD/USD price range. Optimally somewhere in the middle.
• Screen size 15"-16". (15.6" widescreen is preferred, minimum resolution I want is 1366x768 …