[brudgers]

The cheapest solution is the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 keyboard <$40 US with symmetric keys. For laptops, most Thinkpads have symmetric keys. Others, such as Dell Precisions have left and right control and alt keys, but they are not symmetric...better than one though.

Speaking of touch typing, the TrackPoint between g and h is also helpful. Thinkpads and Dell Precisions typically have one. Some Toshiba's also. Though this sort of assumes that keyboard is a primary driver for a laptop purchase.