So, my 10 year old Chromebook has reached the end of the line and, because of [gestures vaguely around at the state of everything], I obviously don't want to buy another one. I am beginning the process of evacuating all my stuff from Alphabet's ecosystem specifically (mostly Google Drive) and other big tech generally.
Essentially, what I need is an inexpensive mid-tier laptop. No gaming, no need to run complex stuff like video/audio editing, nothing like that... I just need to be able to stream video, look at my email, check social media, download text and photo files, etc (so, running a web browser and saving files... that's it). I'd ideally like to have something I could setup once and then potentially not have to fuss with for years (outside of updates obviously)... like a Chromebook.
Coming to Lemmy because I just have no idea where (else) to get started.
Which distro do y'all think would be a good fit for this purpose? Should I play around with different ones? What laptop manufacturers should I look at? Which ones should I avoid? When I buy one, how do I get a machine that's just formatted without Windows already installed? Should I order direct from the manufacturer or would it be more prudent to buy from a retailer (for like shipping and returns policy purposes)? Has someone already built exactly what I'm talking about, written/vlogged about it answering all my questions, and I just can't find it because of the enshitifacation of search engines?
Any suggestions, tips, blogs to read, tech channels to watch, etc, are all greatly appreciated!
Skill Level Context
I have a little experience with building computers and setting them up from scratch. Twenty-ish years ago I was in a single semester high school "Intro to Computers" class where the final had us build a PC from parts provided and install Windows XP (then format the HDD and disassemble everything for the next person's exam). Since then, I've really done nothing like that and have forgotten everything except the very basics (also, a lot has probably changed). The last computer I have purchased is my gaming setup and I bought an it-just-works-out-of-the-box Windows machine off Amazon. It's an iBuyPower brand PC that I will likely be looking to replace with a Linux machine next year... maybe... this replace the Chromebook project is kind of a proof of concept for me before I attempt that.
Does it have to be a new laptop? What you're describing is basically a used work laptop. I've gotten to take my work PCs with me upon leaving, and I use them still. My current work laptop is in fact the work laptop from my previous employer, only with a fresh reinstall (Linux Minr Debian Edition), and it works well.
If you're able to source a 2nd hand Dell, you'll probably have what you need. Might need a battery replacement, but that's easy enough to sort out.
Linux Mint works pretty well out of the box for most installs, so I suggest you give it a try and see if it does what you need.
That is a phenomenal idea which hadn't even occurred to me. My work is about to go through a laptop replacement cycle... could see if any of those haven't been marked to go to a charity or public school or something.