I try to install Ubuntu every 18-24 months or so. A problem occurs in about 2 days that I have to google and spend hours in frustrations. No, thanks. 2016 is not the year of Linux on the desktop.
You will be disappointed with any OS after 2 days of use. It might be because of real problems, or it might be because things are not how they used to be on what you were using before.
Despite disliking GNOME 3 when it came out, I got used to it and I honestly think it's the best desktop out there.
Intel only has an open source driver so any laptop with integrated works great.
Also haven't had sleep or hibernation issues in years. Though I've used Thinkpads and Dell XPSs which are probably the best supported laptops for Linux.