[wlug] Suitable laptop for Linux?

My iMac has finally died (instead of booting when switched on, it makes a high-pitched noise and a burning smell), so i'm going to have to buy a new computer. I'm thinking of purchasing a laptop. I'd like one that works with Linux, preferably doesn't come with a bundled version of Microsoft Windows and is under $2000. Other than the ECS A531 (http://www.wlug.org.nz/A531Laptop), are there others that meet my criteria? Is the A531 a good laptop to buy? All i'll be doing is writing programs, web browsing, emulating calculators and playing DVDs (so video is useful too). CPU speed isn't really a factor, anyone who knows me will tell you that i seem to stay away from fast computers. ;) Thanks, Jon