Lenovo ThinkPad X200

I would have loved any 2012+ iMac to use as a school computer, leagues better than a ThinkPad X200 laptop or core 2 duo desktop + washed out 900p monitor in the labs

Works flawlessly, 100% functional with literally no problems except for the fact that I've lost the battery. The second is the T420; this one compares well with a modern machine, as it comes with a modern processor that can be upgraded (i5 and can take i7) and can take up to 16 gigabytes of ram. I 100% would recommend you get a used thinkpad if you're looking for an old computer. The really popular ones seem to be the T420, the X220 and the X200 along with a couple others.

Lenovo ThinkPad if you’re on a budget. They’re extremely durable. Worth buying used.

My Lenovo Thinkpad from nearly a decade ago hasn't been working too well for me lately, sometimes struggling with video calls and buffering videos. Also, it's graphics card isn't good enough to run a few games I'd like to play (Civ 6, Ori & the Blind Forest, Journey). Not sure if that's specifically something I'll have to look for or if all modern computers will be up to the task. I'm in the US, looking for something <1K.

If security is what you want over anything else get a [Libreboot Open to the core. You can also pick up a used Thinkpad x200 and make your own.

It does what I need (browsing, putty, RDP). I bought a cheap t430 in the meantime and have sold it since I like the x200 size and form for what I do. It is very nice to use, the keyboard is excellent, and it all just feels right.

Finally and sadly, as "thinner, thinner!" becomes the cry of the consumer, points 1 & 2 are suffering, even for ThinkPads. We're now afflicted with soldered RAM and if you ever experience the keyboard on an X200 or T400, you'll shed a tear for days gone by.

Lenovo Thinkpad, you can't go wrong. I'm partial to the T series which I've been using for a long time. This is a general recommendation, if you start talking GPUs than you need to consider form factor for cooling etc...

The Lenovo ThinkPad lineup meets or exceeds Apple's build quality. better warranty options as well. I'd start looking there if a Mac is out of the question.

Lenovo Thinkpad. The only issue would be the battery life, but you could get multiple batteries since they're not internal.