So the experience in Debian Squeeze is way better than in Windows 7, I'll say that.
linux users always have it better than windows users :)
There are 3 USB ports, which work great, But there's no Cardbus slot - I guess they're eliminating those in many laptops. It has nice memory-card slot that works well in Linux.
heh, i haven't used any built-in expansion slot in a laptop since i needed a pcmcia ethernet card ~10 years ago.
The wireless is pretty good. Both the wireless and wired Ethernet interfaces are Atheros, and it took awhile for most Linux and BSD system to "catch up" with the wired interface, which you should know is 10/100 mb and not gigabit speed.
heh, and i had questions about mentioning 'off brand nics'. so, let me explain that - if you don't recognize the brand of the network card as being a fortune 500 company, you might want to do some homework on it.
I really don't believe in spending $700+ for a laptop, but after using this "bargain" model for about eight months, I'd recommend spending $500-$600 for a theoretically better combination of hardware.
... and people don't understand when i say 'you get what you pay for' - i don't believe in fighting with drivers for 10 hours - that's >$500 of my time + money for bar tab to relieve my frustration.
The short version: Unless it says "Thinkpad" in the name, it's not a Thinkpad.
as some have mentioned in this thread, even some of the "Thinkpad"s are sold with cheaper keyboards and other hardware. but, if you read some reviews, spend a little (~$1k should do imo), you'll end up with a solid portable.
ps - good review.