While I was struggling with low water and debris in the Ashton canal some b*****d got into my canal boat and nicked my laptop. I think my insurance will pay up but the laptop was unusual and currently out of stock due to CPU shortage so a 'like-for-like' replacement will be impossible.
It was a Pinebook Pro, AMD64 running Manjaro imported from the US. I imagine it's value in the backstreet pubs of Manchester is about £fuck-all so it's probably adding to the debris in the Ashton by now. After VAT and delivery it cost me just under £300 so I need a replacement in that ball park capable of running Linux. I guess the options are a Chromebook and a lot of buggering about removing Chrome or a basic Windows machine. But apparently recent cheap laptops come with Windows Home (S) and the (S) is some kind of security system to keep you tied into Windows and Office 365 and paying an annual Windows tax.
Any advice on what to look out for, and what to avoid?
At this price nothing powerful obviously but I want a decent desktop environment (probably KDE but not that bothered), LIbreOffice, Gimp, Firefox, Thunderbird. If it can run those, look not to shabby and weigh not too much while having a decent battery, it'll do.