Best Developer's Laptop?

s31523 writes "I love my current laptop, but unfortunately on my last trip the primary LCD went bonkers. It's an older Gateway (2 GB RAM Intel Pentium M 2.0 GHz, ATI M7). There are a handful of features I love about it: [1] Hot-swappable drive bay, with several components that can go in: CD/DVD R/W, extra battery, floppy drive, extra hard drive, memory card reader, etc. The extra battery option is especially appreciated — I can go 4-5 hours on battery power. [2] Docking station / port replicator: I like having my home setup with keyboard, network, and dual screens (a necessity). [3] It runs Linux. OK, I'm a wus, I actually have GRUB command three different OS's: Windows 98 (I have really old embedded software compilers that only run on 98, and yes I have tried every trick in the book to make them run on Linux), Windows XP Pro, and Ubuntu. I'm trying to find a replacement setup that offers the same flexibility and a little better performance. I am open to change as well. So, I ask Slashdot: What is your pick for best developer's laptop under $1,200, considering the features above?"

Re:ehh

[Anonymous Coward]

And it meets none of the poster's requirements. Good jerb!

Re:brutal honesty

[halltk1983]

You insulted his Mac, so he's offended and on the attack.


Heathen.

Re:requirements

[jim_v2000]

Because well-made laptops automagically hook themselves up to your monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, power, etc when you set them down at home?

Re:Why I chose Apple for my dev laptop

[sunderland56]

Sounds great - except for the "under $1200" requirement. Haven't you been watching recent Microsoft ads on TV??

Re:Thinkpad T-series

[Pikoro]

"What the hell is a developer doing going outdoors?"

Fixed that for you.