What small used laptop would be good for a Linux beginner?

A used ThinkPad X1 Carbon or Dell XPS 13 is worth a look if portability matters most. Both come in several generations, so check the exact model and its Linux compatibility rather than assuming every version is identical.

ThinkPads can be pricey even used. A Dell Latitude or HP EliteBook might be a better deal, though you'll need to check the screen size and weight on the particular model.

For basic use, I'd aim for 8 GB of RAM and an SSD. You don't need a new laptop or a powerful graphics card. Intel or AMD integrated graphics are a sensible fit for browsing and everyday work.

Older machines with 2 or 4 GB can run a lighter desktop such as Linux Mint MATE, but a low memory figure that lets Linux start isn't necessarily comfortable for a browser with lots of tabs. Check whether the RAM and battery can be replaced before buying.

Linux Mint is a friendly starting point. Make a bootable USB on another computer and try the live session before installing. That gives you a chance to check things like Wi-Fi, sound, the touchpad and display on the actual laptop.

Keep backups of anything you want to save before installing, since choosing the wrong disk or installation option can erase data.

Don't overlook refurbished education laptops. Some are small and fairly tough, and a machine with an older hard drive may feel much nicer with an SSD. Check the battery condition and factor a replacement into the price if needed.

If repairability matters more than getting the cheapest used machine, look at Framework laptops. They offer replaceable parts and Linux support, though that may be more laptop than you need for simple browsing.