Hiwever the component selection of the laptop seems quite good. Those processors are intel RaptorLake's and they are great processors. I think I saw that the new i7 variant is a $137 option. I'd probably spring fur it but the i5 variant is also very good.

System76 Lemur is the other one I was considering.

I don't know about these 13th generation intel processors but it looks to me like the difference between i5 and i7 is a GHz or 2 and cache size.

Anything from this decade has to beat what I'm using now.

But their XPS-13 has been certified to run Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and you can get it pre-installed if you order online. I have an older Dell Latitude that I dual boot with Ubuntu and Win10 and it runs just fine on the Ubuntu side.

Not sure what Linux distro you're looking to run, but it may be easier to find the hardware that's best compatible with your favorite Linux distro, buy it, then "upgrade" the OS with Linux.

https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/cty/pdp/spd/XPS-13-9320-laptop?utm_source=narrativ&nrtv_cid=c318fef4df91e9cffcf8029d4a7d7bf49f26c4e44d9f4b1df2a8e52b22debe20

I saw that Dell and since it runs Ubuntu it should cause no problems with Debian. Getting it with Ubuntu pre-installed jacks the price $100. That's nuts.

My last laptop was killed by water. The one before that was destroyed by one of our dogs. I have similar luck with cell phones and cameras. That's just how I roll.

If that wasn't the case I might buy the computer you are looking at. I'm a Debian guy.

The most I've ever spent on a computer was $350 for a shopworn 386 that came with Windows 3.1 preinstalled. That was a long time ago. Since then most of my computers have been diverted from the electronic waste streams.

I'm posting this from a $100 Dell.

This is the most I've ever considered spending on a computer, which is why I'm nervously seeking opinions. I have a collection of old computers -- bought used or assembled from parts -- but the only laptop I ever bought was the OLPC mentioned in the OP. Thought it might be time to try this.

If it works out, I can shut down a big box with 5 hdds in it, that I put together ten or so years ago, plus the older one I'm using for this. Less heat, less power consumption, faster response. I just don't know what's a good deal out there.

Anxiously awaiting delivery.
Tech details: https://tech-docs.system76.com/models/darp9/README.html

Most I've spent on a computer since one of my kids needed the "latest". Haven't bought one pre-assembled in many years.

Having trouble getting use to a trackpad instead of a mouse, though.

No more choppy videos!