Is there a version of the Linux OS that is so smart it will install on any laptop easily?

Try any Linux Disto LIVE CD, This way, you get to try out that Linux Distro without actually installing it onto your puter. If there's going to be any issues, it will show up with no harm done to your laptop's system. I installed Linspire Version 6 on my puter in, like 12 minutes, fully ready to go..Actually, sitting there on the internet, with the browser open. In all the months I've been using it..It's been just flawless, no issues whatsoever.The CNR feature is awesome when it comes to downloading new programs and, none of this reboot after you download/install the new program.

I enclosed the website for ur edification and, also a Distro site where you can compare all Linux O/S.(Over several hundreds available~!)

Good luck~!

Ubuntu and the other top distros listed on www.distrowatch.com are all very, very good and easy to install distros. However, as hard as the distro developers try to create "bullet proof" install routines, there is ALWAYS someone out there determined to introduce terminal operator errors.

Have you tried Ubuntu ??