Josh Saddler

I definitely want a ThinkPad. Since my previous entry, I've done some serious scouting around for one. I want one. I do.

I'm really attracted to the R61 series (R61, R61i, R61e), but I've just uncovered some scary problems with the recent models:

1. Wireless issues: seems iwlwifi doesn't work for some users, and/or they use ndiswrapper.
2. Fingerprint issues: the R61 series will likely come with a fingerprint scanner that is completely inoperable in Linux. There's an open bug for supporting it in fprint (dsd's awesome project; go check it out), but I'm not hopeful. The manufacturer is entirely uncooperative. Why, oh why did Lenovo switch to them?!?
3. Touchpad issues: seems that some later-model 61s are shipping with an ALPS pad, rather than the tried-and-true Synaptics. Users are having to resort to all kinds of hackery to get the useful features out of their pad.

So, though I still want a ThinkPad, I'm now having second thoughts about an R61. I want some kind of ThinkPad, though. Basically, it needs to have all its hardware functional purely with open-source drivers, or something resembling open-source. This is going to be a Gentoo development laptop, so said drivers should be in Portage.

Requirements:

1. Physical dimensions: minimum 15.4" screen; weight no more than 6.5 pounds, ~5 pounds preferred.
2. Working wireless: open-source drivers (Intel desired; Atheros is close enough). Absolutely no ndiswrapper!
3. Intel X3100 graphics.
4. Working Synaptics trackpad. I want one that can do scrolling and all the other nifty tricks it's famed for.
5. Working ACPI. This means the buttons and Fn combinations work, as well as the fan (which had better be cool & quiet).
(Possibly optional)
6. Working fingerprint scanner. Really. One that works. Now that I know some ThinkPads have 'em, I want one. Seems like an awesome feature!

So . . . since I've only studied the R61 series, what other ThinkPads are worth investigating?