Earlier quoted context omitted.
Out of box Linux support for most laptops is surprisingly good now, leaving the overall quality of the laptop as the real issue. Tons of crummy machines out there with poor displays, hinges designed to fail, a million screws yet the screw mounts love to shear off at the slightest force...
I've gotten to the point where I just buy Chromebooks, put Arch onto them, and treat them as disposable crap... which they are. I'd rather get a cheap piece of shit than an expensive piece of shit.
Chromebooks are a good value if you are buying new, but a 3 or 4 year old Thinkpad is usually what I target when upgrading. Replace the battery, upgrade the screen to a 1080p or 3k panel and you have a decent, durable machine for $250 or less.