I want to buy a laptop for around $1200 (Australian $) and run it with dual OS. I will run Linux (Mandriva or Fedora probably) and Win XP (for games & because some .docs I get sent will only work under MS Office) on it.

Does there exist survey or poll results or other summary information on the best all round laptop models for Linux compatibility?

I can wade through all the details on the compatibility of thousands of components in thousands of laptop models on various sites (including this one) but don't have the time or patience. I just want everything (eg graphics, sound, wireless connections, dial-up connection and ADSL connection etc etc) to work with minimal manual configuration effort.

I would love an answer that would complete the following statement;
"The laptop with which you are least likely to have any Linux compatibility issues with is..............."

A big ask I know, but maybe all the compatibility information has been distilled somewhere. Anyone know where?

Even more generally, are there certain brands that tend to be the best. for Linux? Should certain chips be avoided?