I have not installed it on a laptop, but have installed it on mini-PCs and servers not on the compatibility list http://www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/search.php?rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CDQQFjAA&url=http://www.vmware.com/go/hcl&ei=xK9mUuWRPLD_4AOC5YCgCw&usg=AFQjCNEXuH3H1BNILfm7AMoBNO0jQXhT-g&bvm=bv.55123115,d.dmg.

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And they worked. the worst thing I had happen was the audio not working.

Vmware Desktop Free

Drivers Vmware Laptops & Desktops

If you have the device already you loose nothing by trying, except 20 for the install.

or you can create a esxi usb drive to test without installing it. http://www.yellow-bricks.com/2009/06/09/vsphere-esxi-on-a-usb-memory-stick

In this forum people posted what kind of laptops they are running esxi. http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1739302

They mentioned Dell Latitude E6440 and D630 among other laptops.