[Wylug-discuss] Recommendations please: Ubuntu-compatible Cheapo laptop, no/few config hoops to jump

[Dave Fisher]

We've been using Asus C720 chromebooks for teaching over the last
couple of years.

Only 2 significant flaws:
1. Over 50% attrition rate on SSDs ... yeah, that bad
2. Lack of Home/End PgUp/PgDn keys ... and lack of documentation about
how to permanently re-map keys in modern Linux GUIs

Problem 1 means that I now urgently need to replace at least 2 cbooks
(immediately) and probably more in the next couple of months.

I'd rather buy a stack of identical machines, so we can have one
config and cannibalise if necessary.

Unfortunately, I'm clueless about the current status of 'secure boot'
BIOS stuff.

Can you still install Linux on all / nearly all by using a 'legacy bios' option?

Anyone know of recent machines (under £250, maybe  £300 at a pinch)
that are known to 'just work'?

Oh ... I should have mentioned, these replacement laptops need to be
light-weight. Non-negiiable, cos our trainers often carry 4 or more to
training sessions.

So I'm looking for stuff at around the 1kg weight of our C720s, with
SSDs but also  Home/End PgUp/PgDn keys.

Thanks in advance

Dave