You know, if you go to Dell you can build a laptop that you
*know* will be supported by Linux for about the same as an
"off-the-shelf" laptop at TigerDirect.
That's about what I was going to say, but I suggest starting at
http://outlet.dell.com and one with 4GB of DD3, 500GB HDD,
17.3" 900p LCD and an i3 CPU can likely be had for the same
price as that acer...
I would UNcheck the scratch & dent selection and just look at
the 'certified refurbished' and 'open-box/returns' (they call them
'previously ordered new') models. If you're patient (the selection
changes daily, of course) you might find one there with 1080p
LCD and a WiFi/WiMAXan combo card for slightly more.