Check prices on eBay... quite reasonable for used/refurbished Dell laptops...
I've had excellent service/performance running linux for 8+ years on several Dell E6500s, 8GB, core 2 duo, 15.6". Price on eBay today $75, $12.72 shipping.
Also run linux with excellent service/performance on an E6420 with 8GB, 14", E6530 & E6540, both with16GB, 4 core, 15.6".
An 8GB, 14", E6420 can be bought, including shipping, for less than $50
Excluding the E6420, all the systems I'm using have DVD R/W drives and backlit keyboards.
Haven't had any driver or other problems with any of the systems running linux.
Good professional work!
I've been doing a lot with sed recently and I found some helpful/handy examples in your doc.
I'd forgotten about the use of braces for commanp grouping and put it to use after reading your doc.
Thank you for your work.