Does your live system also run on that particular model of thinkpad? Are you using HD encryption that only works on this model? If not, what's the point? I wouldn't work at the place like this: to me it smells like control freak at work, not some sensible requirement. If I am going to spend at least 8 hours a day in front of something, it better be something I really like and am comfortable with. Which happens to be Mac and OS X. I love linux on servers and would tolerate it on dedktop for work if really needed, but forcing particular make on ne—no, thanks. And how about virtualbox with some standart image?