Buying a laptop, recommendations?

[masok]

Hey, I was hoping I could get some suggestions from you guys.
Always been more of a desktop computer guy.

I will be installing Linux on this new laptop, although I think most notebook work well with Linux.
I dont need an i3 or higher processor, I will not be using it for gaming or heavy programs.
Mainly command line stuff, a little programming, browsing inet, and the occasional video, but nothing too heavy.

I think I would be ok with a Core2Duo processor, about 2gb of ram, and a 100 +/- disk.
I've tried a couple of weaker processors and they just feel too slow, for everything.

The size is not a big deal, nor the weight of the laptop.
I'm more interested in the quality of the machine, I want something well built.

I was looking at a couple of Thinkpads, those things are made for war, I've used a couple ones that had years of use and abuse and they still work like a charm.

However, when I got into it a little more, I found out that there are a couple of issues with some of them.
For example, the one I liked the most, was the Thinkpad T61, but I found out that all the T61 made before 2008 have a bad gpu, and that is going to ruin the computer eventually.

I know that it's kind of impossible to know if a laptop is going to have problems or not, but for example, in that case, it is already known and stated by both Lenovo and Nvidia.

I don't know if the same problem affects the T60 tho, can anyone confirm that?
Also, I've seen the Lenovo x100e, which does not have a Core2Duo but still seems like a nice little machine.
But there seems to be an ongoing issue with the overheating on those as well.
Also I've seen the Dell Latitude D630, and I've read both good and bad reviews about those.
I know they're well built, but I don't think its the same quality as the Thinkpads.
And there seems to be no middle ground when it comes to these machines, people either love them or hate them.

So, I don't want to make this too long.
I want something well built that can last for at least a couple of years.

The ones that I've seen are:
Thinkpad T60X100e
Dell D630


Also, any words on the Thinkpad G450? Couldn't find much about that one.

These are the ones that I've seen working and they seem to be ok, I don't know much about Dell or other brands and how they perform, but any suggestion is welcomed.

 

[Big B]

Awhile back, there were some issues with nVidia mobile GPU's that caused a big stink.

I think the laptop choice starting point would depend on what you want to do and how much you want to spend. I don't really run Linux, but from what I've understood, nVidia has had better support. If a discrete solution isn't required, Intel should suffice.

I was under the impression Lenovo was doing a good job after taking over IBM's PC division way back when.

 

[masok]

Yeah, I know that the Nvidia GPU was faulty, so I'm trying to stay away from T61's. Although I think that T61's made after 2008 are on the clear.
The thing is that I will be getting, most likely, a used computer, since I don't want to spend a whole lot, and I will not be running games or anything too heavy.
Mostly command line stuff, some coding, little browsing, maybe ocassionaly a movie, but not much else.
I'm set on the Core2Duo processor because I don't think I really need more than that.

About Linux, I guess it can run pretty much on every config, giving it a tweak or two.

But the thing that was more important to me was that the laptop is well built.
I've tried a couple of netbook, and laptops as well. Some may have a good processor, disk and memory, but they seem to be made of paper.

I know the Thinkpads are really well made, for use and abuse and able to stand still for years.
And that's what I'm looking for.

I know IBM/Lenovo are quite good when it comes to this, but I don't want to get a T61 (for example) knowing that it will certainly fail at some given point, and not because of heavy use, but because the GPU is faulty from the get go.

I'm not entirely sure if the T60 has this same problem, that would be a nice option.
Also, the Thinkpad X100e seems like a pretty nice little machine, but I read on a few reviews that it tends to overheat pretty quickly.

And I don't know much about the Dell Latitude D630, but it seems to be a nice piece of hardware, and well made to, but I can't tell for sure.

Edit: Sorry, about the price. I was looking to spend around $200. Again, I'm looking for a used computer. I already have a desktop PC, this would be just a side computer to use on my bedroom or while watching TV, so I'm looking for the best specs on the market, or something brand new.