Hello, maybe this can help : a site on linux and laptops; you should be able to find info on specific models.
http://www.cs.utexas.edu/users/kharker/linux-laptop/ Cheers, Etienne ps : My general impression is that Toshiba and LInux go along well (source : that site, various mailing lists and personal experience on Satellite 210 and Tecra 7?0).