[TriLUG] Install - ThinkPad T20

[matt-nc]

A few weeks ago I was asking about laptops and Linux.  I ended up trying to 
combine a low-dollar option with hardware that would most likely be 
compatible and I got an IBM ThinkPad T20 (P3/700MHz) on eBay.  I haven't 
tried powering it on yet but I don't think there is any operating system on 
it.

So now I am deciding which Linux distro to use.  Any suggestions about what 
would be best for this machine or what I should avoid?  I have the Mandriva 
10 install CDs on hand but I also have Roadrunner broadband and a CD burner 
on the desktop so I can get anything that's out there.  Mainly I want to 
get Apache, PHP and MySQL working on it.  It has a 12GB hard drive so space 
should be sufficient.

Is it likely that some version of Linux will support most of the machine's 
features or would it be good to do a dual boot setup?

Am I supposed to do this like a regular install?

BTW, about laptops in general, how do these DVD drives work?  Can I just 
pull the DVD tray out manually while the power is off, put the install CD 
in, push it back in manually and then power on to start the install process?

Any suggestions on where to get extra battery packs, besides eBay?

Thanks,
Matt