Where can I find information about ubuntu compatible or certified hardware/PC models?
See the Ubuntu Certification website at:
http://www.ubuntu.com/certification/
Specifically, for desktops and laptops/netbooks, go directly to:
http://www.ubuntu.com/certification/desktop/
The best way to tell if hardware is working in Ubuntu is to check the official page:
Ubuntu Desktop certified hardware
My thoughts about how much of a "guarantee" this database of hardware gives you in practice:
Some manufacturers (OEMs) silently use other hardware components with similar specifications. "300 Mbps Wireless LAN" in the specifications is subject to change on their side and they're free to supply Canonical a Linux-compatible one and another (cheaper) one to you.
Here's a nice example of that: LP Question "Feedback on the Dell Inspiron 1545" in Ubuntu Certification Programme where Dell silently changed the Bluetooth module with a totally different one, breaking the certification programme.
- Some components are being used in a specific geographic area, while others are being used in another. One example: I've seen the HP Probook 6550b in a completely different configuration in Holland than the possible configurations listed on the Ubuntu site. The HP business supplier I had contact with wasn't even able to tell me which components were installed for the one he was shipping. Moreover, I once got two different WLAN cards (I believe one Broadcom and one Realtek) in a single batch of the exact same HP configuration code!
- Preconfigured-only models (usually the consumer grade line of products) are usually subject to the above two items even more than the configurable business-line of models.
- The database is useful if you can identify the configuration options from this list in the configuration with your supplier. For example, if the Ubuntu certification list lists the Broadcom WLAN option with a note, but the Intel one with a straight stamp and you see two options in the configuration process: "802.11n Wireless LAN" and "Intel Advanced N WLAN adapter", then you'll know what to choose.
- For more general hardware support like ACPI handling, power control (battery status) and USB, which are not likely to be different across the specific configurations, this database is quite useful.
My conclusion: OEMs take (too much) freedom in their choice for components and there's no way to tell the exact configuration in terms of vendor/product id's of the components you'll get after ordering. Take this Certification list not too serious, but it will give you a rough idea.