So here’s my dilemma: I need a new laptop and I have been drooling over the System76 series laptops for a better part of a year now as they were the first Ubuntu OEM and not to mention an independent retailer which goes a long way to tickle my heartstrings. Recently, Dell entered the market and with their clout are able to offer a whole lot of bang for the buck and while their base product selection is limited the options are excellent so here I find myself torn with regards to the value proposition of the purchase.

Below are the specs from each company for the laptop I am looking to buy:

• Inspiron E1505–$1,578.00 ($1,672.67 S&H and Tax)
  • Processor–Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T7200 (4MB Cache/2.00GHz/667MHz FSB)
  • OS–Ubuntu Edition version 7.04
  • LCD Panel–15.4 inch UltraSharp™ Wide Screen SXGA+ Display with TrueLife™ (1400×1050)
  • Memory–2GB DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHZ, 2 DIMM
  • Video Card–256MB NVIDIA® GeForce® Go 7300 TurboCache™
  • Hard Drive–100GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive
  • CD/DVD–8X CD/DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R write capability
  • Sound–Integrated Audio
  • Wireless–IntelPRO/Wireless 3945a/g
  • Battery–85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
  • Warranty–1Yr Ltd Warranty and Mail-In Service
  • Extra Power–90 Watt Spare AC Adapter
  • Bluetooth–No

• Serval–$1,859.00 (includes S&H)
  • Processor–Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T7200 (4MB Cache/2.00GHz/667MHz FSB)
  • OS–Ubuntu Edition version 7.04
  • LCD Panel–15.4 inch WXGA (1280×800)
  • Memory–2GB DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHZ, 2 DIMM
  • Video Card–256MB NVIDIA® GeForce® Go 7600 VRAM
  • Hard Drive–100GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
  • CD/DVD–8X CD/DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R write capability
  • Sound–Integrated Audio
  • Wireless–Intel 802.11 abg
  • Battery–6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
  • Warranty–1Yr Ltd Warranty and Mail-In Service
  • Extra Power–90 Watt Spare AC Adapter
  • Bluetooth–Yes

The difference is about $186 in Dell’s favor but with that savings comes a better screen and faster hard drive furthering the technical gap. In System76′s favor is a wealth of positive reviews about their service and support, largely due to the fact that they are a small company which makes every customer count, the inclusion of a Bluetooth adapter as well as a built in webcam. I find myself torn between personal politics and maximizing the value of my purchase.

Here are the things I am keen on:

• Big bright screen
• Large and fast SATA hard drive
• Plenty of fast RAM
• 100% compatibility

System76 is guaranteed 100% compatibility and supplies many of the drivers themselves to ensure it. Dell on the other hand, I’m not too sure about. Yes, they are selling Ubuntu laptops but are they 100% compatible? I’ve read some articles about early screw ups with grub which doesn’t give me the warm and fuzzies about either their commitment or capabilities but they seem to be making some sort of an effort with their wiki.

Like the camera I’m giving myself 30 days to sort it out and weigh the pros and cons but I want to know what would you buy and why?