As the title says, I am currently learning to be a programmer, and my tablet does not suffice for the job.
I have already finished a small MEAN-Stack application for learning Typescript, learned some Java syntax (I expect nothing more exciting than a sorting algorithm, but exam language is Java, so…) and the next stop will most likely be plain vanilla C to learn about handling hardware.
Windows I hate with a passion, and I don’t know squat about Macs, so I am thinking of getting myself a decently sized laptop for a sensible Linux install.
History (I started my Liux journey with SuSE Linux 4.4.1, way back when) taught me to be very wary of driver issues on laptops, so I thought I could ask you for recommendations that play fair with Linux.
(as an aside, if I could play GuildWars2 on it in the evening and attach my two big monitors when at home, that would be super cool)
You pretty much can’t go wrong with a Thinkpad, the T series are solid choices and extremely upgradable (T440 and T480 being the most beloved from my perspective).
If you are a vintage dude you may want to take a look at the X series (I’ve heard good things from the X220).
For a bit more power you may check the X1 Carbon series, these are more modern, but as a consequence they are a bit more enshittified, I really like my X1 carbon gen 7 but man, the usb-c charging port and no ethernet kinda suck.
https://www.bobble.tech/free-stuff/used-thinkpad-buyers-guide
I have an x1 carbon gen 3, and a number of t490’s. The t490 is hands down the better laptop. No ethernet port but great support for docks and portable monitors.