preload with linux and xp

I am in the market for a new laptop. My HP Pavilion zv5466cl only lasted a year and a half (purchased at Sams club), so I assume HP is NOT going to be my next choice… Anyone need parts (cheap) (less the hard drive), let me know. I use it for Internet (Mozilla), MS Office (Open Office as well), Projector presentations and low level Digital imaging (GIMP is my main program). I will probably be buying a pen tablet as well. I am not into games at all. I would prefer to keep it as low cost as possible < 800.00. I would prefer XP Pro and possibly will add a Linux distribution if I can figure out how to load it dual boot. I have been reading up on Linux and like what it has to offer, the only reason I use XP is for work. Ideally, I would like to buy a very durable and dependable laptop that would be preloaded with Arklinux or similar and XP pro

Durability is more important than mobility. Thanks in advance.