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You would have to check which Chromebooks let you install Linux.
Also some of the cheaper Windows laptops would do. In my experience, they all let you install Linux.
What is your maximum budget? You can get refurbished ones for less than $100. If you are willing to pay $200, you can even get new laptops with up to 15 inch screen size:
HARDWARE SIDE: The cheapest will be to ... not buy laptop. You can go for 2 in 1 and use your Android phone (if you have one) or buy one. Any Android phone will do the job, but best look for one with USB3.1 (these will support display port on phones USB socket) as it carries video signal as well. Here you have phones released in 2021 and 2022 supporting it: https://www.gsmarena.com/results.php3?nYearMin=2021&sFreeTex…
> Last piece is IDE OP mentioned vim; I don't think they're looking for an IDE.
Any used business-line laptop: Lenovo Thinkpad, Dell Latitude, HP Probook/Elitebook. Please don't by a consumer-line laptop - they are terrible except of Macbook.
Great keyboard, great everything really. They're the cheapest Thinkpads.
Older Thinkpads, in particular Thinkpad x230 is an overall a good powerful machine selling for around 150$ second hand. It also has good screen and really awesome keyboard.
My T25 died, hinge failure (they're mounted in plastic) so it's back to the X220.
(I say failed, that would be quick since it's fairly new, it was actually a manufacturing issue - but the solution's the same, they sent me replacement hinges to fit, no need to scrap or even return the whole laptop.)
You can get any laptop made in the last 15 years, easy. Probably a free one.
What is cheap to you?