Domenic, even if Toshiba does not officially support Linux, they provide some info at http://www.tce.co.jp/linux There you'll find also info on a mailing list specific on Linux-on-Toshiba issues and that is read by a lot of Toshiba users and hackers...
Good luck, matteo PS I am running Debian potato on a Satellite 110CS. I didn't check the specs of the 1800, but if it turns out that I can be of any help, feel free to email me. --------------- Matteo Semplice Wadham College Oxford OX1 3PN U.K.