IBM Thinkpads do work out of the box but they're also more expensive than a Dell or HP of the same configuration.
However, please don't go for an Acer, even though you'll get an Acer of similar configuration to other brands for much cheaper -- and with Linux installed. You'll regret it.
I had bought an Acer 4061NWLCi and banged my head for three days with kernel compilations just to get my sound card, wireless, and ACPI working. Apparently the DSDT on this Acer box was broken and I had to manually debug and recompile it! (So much for pre-installed Linux!)
And I'm sure you want to buy a laptop that lasts. Acer build quality it exceptionally poor.
Thank you for reading my Acer review. I've chosen this method to get back at the company.
Nandz.