[TriLUG] Cheap Linux friendly laptop/notebook sites?

[Geoff Purdy]

> Can anyone point me to any sites that have cheap(<=$500)
> Linux friendly laptops/notebooks forsale?

A few possibilities are:
http://www.secondwindpcs.com
http://www.svconn.com
http://www.techsmart.com (Techsmart seems to be selling 
only through their ebay store as of a few months ago.)
I've purchased from each and had no problems.

A good place to check the linux compatibility  is 
http://www.linux-laptop.net

Unless you find a really good used deal, I'd consider a 
closeout on a new laptop in the $700 to $900 range 
rather than spending $500 on a used machine.  Batteries are
generally not warrantied on used machines and cost ~$200 to
replace.