[TriLUG] Looking for a good laptop for development

[Matthew Glassman via TriLUG]

Hello all,

I'm financially limited and looking for a good laptop that would be useful
for web/application development probably in an Ubuntu or Fedora
environment.  While most people would probably state a Macbook, I'm hoping
I can find something just as robust for less money (which I'd rather spend
on quality piece of glass for my camera).  Suggestions?  I work at a local
university and could potentially check out their range of surplussed Lenovo
T - series, but thought I'd pick your brains first.

Regards,
Matthew Glassman