Besides the “usual” compatible hardware (floppy disks, modems, network cards, CD/DVD burners, hard disks, etc.), the following laptop-specific newer hardware is properly supported under Mandriva Linux:
All Intel processors for the laptop platform: Pentium M, Core Solo, Core Duo, Core 2 Duo and the Centrino norm; both 32 and 64 bit architectures.
All AMD processors: Turion and Sempron; both 32 and 64 bit architectures.
All Intel graphics cards (GMA900, GMA950), all ATI and nVidia cards.
SiS and VIA graphics cards are not as powerful for 3D-accelerated effects as the above ones, so their 3D performance may be poor.
All latest sound cards compatible with HDA or AC'97 specifications.
Newer laptops come with memory card readers to access the memories used mainly by digital cameras. If the card reader is an USB one (connected internally) it will work out-of-the-box. If the card reader uses a proprietary connection, chances are it will not be supported under GNU/Linux.