Just for fun, showing what's possible. A few weeks ago, I installed Linux on an old Lenovo Thinkpad X200 I had laying around. Got it off eBay for ~$50 awhile ago. The X200 was produced in 2008, meaning this is a 16y/o laptop.
I'm amazed people overlook stuff like this and assume it's trash because it's more than ~2 or 3y/o. Oh well, more for those of us who know!
Installed Linux Mint in ~15-20min. The Install went perfectly with zero hiccups. It just works and was actually an easier install than the last time I installed Windows. Despite the age, it runs pretty smoothly and is more than fast enough for my intended purpose (focused laptop mostly for writing).
As an aside, these little Thinkpads are awesome. The models prior to ~2012-2013 have actual full-stroke, proper key switches and key caps, so the typing experience is excellent! Not to mention the built-in RJ-45 connector for a wired connection as well as the hardware switches on the side of the laptop to disable the camera, WiFi, etc.
If you want to join this club, stuff to look for: X200, X220, T420, T520, W520, W700, plenty of others but these are some of the best bang for the buck. The **30 models (e.g. X230, T430, T530, W530) are a bit newer, faster, and better hardware, but they don't have the classic keyboard.
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