Affordable PC Options for Students Switching to Linux

Have you checked out the YouTube channel @focivideo? That guy's a grad student in Denmark who turns cheap or discarded PCs into usable systems—very informative! It might give you some ideas on what you can do with a budget setup.

I've successfully purchased secondhand Lenovo laptops on eBay for decent prices, typically north of $100. You can find models that support 1920x1080 resolution, 16 GB RAM, and NVMe drives, which is a solid upgrade from your current choice and also more portable.

While I'm not an expert on desktops, I've had great luck with refurbished laptops over the years. Generally, used devices from corporate environments are solid choices despite minor wear. Brands like ThinkPads and Dells are known for durability. Just make sure you check the prices and warranty. If possible, buy two similar models, so you have a backup if one fails—this way, you'll cover your PC needs throughout your student life.

If you’re okay with old ThinkPads, they usually come very well-supported and you can snag one for under $200, sometimes even as low as $80. I usually browse eBay for those, just ensure you check the listing details to avoid any surprises.

Lease returns are definitely a smart way to go for either laptops or desktops. Plus, if you install Linux, you might save some cash on a Windows license. I recommend doing some research online for the best laptops or desktops that work well with Linux before making a decision.