Custom Laptops for a Control Freak

[MateaMatt]

As a regular desktop system builder, I like to have a lot of control over what goes into my machines so that I only get what I need and nothing that I don't. I am wondering about good sources for laptops that give you a lot of control over what is put in the machines. I saw http://www.sagernotebook.com/ in another thread here and am wondering if there are more like this around. At the moment I am really trying to get a sense for how much it would cost to get what I want:

*A decent sized screen, perhaps with 1920X1200 resolution.
*A good quality SSD (this is a must, I get so damn tired of waiting for my current laptop's 80GB 7200RPMS drive to do things)
*Be able to play blue-rays
*Ideally come without preinstalled software that I have to pay for so I can buy this separately with student discount
*Be able to run Ubuntu Linux, should I decide to use that like I do on my desktops
*Have good battery life for planes and other places without outlets
*Have a good wifi card

I mainly use my current laptop to run windows programs like acrobat, photoshop, and office, check my e-mail in outlook, and log into my Ubuntu machines using NX when I am working away from my home or office. A larger screen would probably be most helpful for this last item.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

MateaMatt.

 

[CurseTheSky]

What size and price are you hoping for? With that resolution I'm guessing at least 15", and with those specs I'm guessing $1000-1200+.

You can always add your own SSD (and probably save some cash).

 

[MateaMatt]

As far as size, definitely not smaller than 15", as for price, not more than $2000, though it may end up depending on what I can get my boss to agree to.

I have never done any upgrades of a laptop, I suppose it isn't significantly harder than building desktops?

MateaMatt.