Laptop recommendations?

[Roderick A Gammon]

Aloha-

I am need to setup a laptop with linux so I can work Java 2 EE on the road.
I figured I'd go to payhalf.com and get an older model.  But I haven't had a
laptop in about 7 years, so I'd appreciate any suggestions.

My requirements are:
* Runs linux (prob. redhat) simply and smoothly without suprises
* "fast" enough to support a single user accessing the following apps over
localhost http or X-Windows
* Postgresql on UTF8 tables with large record counts (100K+)
* Apache
* Tomcat servlet / jsp engine
* Java jdk 1.3
* JBuilder 5
* Samba / DHCP (so I can just plug into net and download to a machine with a
cd burner)

I don't need fancy USB or video system, sound system etc.  Just something I
can take on the road and code on.  Any brands that work good with linux?
Any suggestions on processor / ram specs?  I don't need super fast, but
don't want turtle speeds either.

Just for kicks, I do have a portable HP-CDRW that runs USB.  Any comments on
how to get that working with a linux laptop?

thanks!
Rod G