Certain laptops have found some more enthusiastic Linux users, than other models. This list is probably not comprehensive:
ThinkPad Configuration Tool for Linux tpctl
Mailing list linux-thinkpad.
Mailing lists: linux-on-portege , Linux on Toshiba Satellite 40xx linux-tosh-40xx <majordomo@geekstuff.co.uk>
COMPAQ Concerto Fan's Home Page and Aero-FAQ.
The latest version of the Linux Compaq Concerto Pen Driver is available from Joe Pfeiffer's home page.
Mailing list at linux-dell-laptops