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don't buy ASUS if you're a programmer because of their newer keyboard layout (right_shift, up button, Fn button are aligned)

my right pinky, instead of punching right_shift, always accidently press up button (in vim it's mutable, but in console it throws me out of flow every time)

Older ASUS are fine, they have big, wide right_shift button

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I'd generalize this all the way out to say: most modern hardware runs Linux just fine with a little effort; most modern keyboards, however, are far from ideal for extended use.

I have no idea why things have gone so steadily downhill for so many brands, but especially the ASUS/Acer types are just painful. Track down in person any model you are considering and give it a whirl before you place your order. As others have said, start with Lenovo, since they do an above-average job.

I have the ASUS Zenbook UX31A (the updated version of the UX31E) which came out about two months ago and the right shift is nice and fat. The Fn key and the arrow keys are all aligned on a row just below the row with the right shift key. The keyboard layout on this machine is great.

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