In the market for something cheap, but decent quality. Right now, just have a Chromebook, but thinking I want a "proper" computer. Always used to be a Windows person, but not opposed to Apple, but dont care about the status symbol of it.
Not opposed to new, either, but seems like used or refurbished will be a better deal.
I could imagine installing Linux or something, but not immediately, so it needs to just work out of the box.
USB-C would also be nice. Something smaller and lite weight, but it doesn't have to extremely so.
Also in the market for a new phone. Will probably get an old Pixel, but am curious would you tech nerds recommend these days.
Get a used fleet unit ThinkPad and throw Linux on it. You can get a great laptop this way at basically any budget.
This has been my last couple laptops, sourced from eBay. $2000 machines become $600 after like four years, and most are in great condition still. You can also go way cheaper by just searching up older models. You wouldn't even have to run Linux on the some of the less-old ones if you don't want to - a specced out business laptop from 2018 is totally capable of running Windows 11. Couldn't see myself buying a new laptop after doing this a couple times now.