I have tried hard several times 
I even spent a few years trying to make Gentoo work as my main machine, including for gaming. I got surprisingly far but that was… painful. The only worse thing I have tried was hackintoshing, which also works ok to a point but breaks on each OS update in terrible ways.
Functionality. But even the COO and the CTO moved to Linux, because they needed R tools that didn’t work in the new OSX version(High Sierra, IIRC)
Pretty much.
My daughters use Linux on a PC, they love it… and love the versatility. My wife likes it also, but work pushes her to use Windows due to proprietary tools.
My own PC (Gaming, Music, Work, Teaching) is Windows, but only because I game here… and the games don’t have Linux clients 
We need a full conversion of international tech companies to adopt Linux, before it can be 100% viable as a “luser” desktop.
Gentoo is not for Desktops or gaming.
Has other advantages… but not for that! 
Your conviction is weak, try harder
I spent three years running AAA games (very badly) on Gentoo. It’s possible, just terrible, and another reason Linux is going nowhere important on the desktop for most users.
Actually the control it gave made it one of the best choices for that. I’ve also done the same with Ubuntu though. Like I said, I have tried several times.
Linux fans who haven’t tried WSL2, you’re missing out! All the functionality of a full Linux OS, all the “my drivers actually work” of Windows, all at the same time. Winning!
I’ve been doing it since 1998 … as desktop.
For what I do… on my desktop not there yet… for servers. Linux and Linux only.
This is actually true.
Or just use MacOS where everything just works, and is a BSD OS to the core.
Agree for servers, it’s the only good remaining choice.
I have WLS2 running. 
Minecraft, Valheim.. and other things it’s a valid go to.
An alternative to the rest.. not yet.
Microsoft and IBM are biggest Kernel (and not only) contributors. Lets of things are coming.
Several tools have started portability to Linux and are working fine. Lets see what happens in the next 10y.
BTW:
I would also suggest Bitwig - might even overtake Reaper for me as a favorite, but that’s mostly for its synth focus.
Speaking of drivers: the fact that I can print driverless in Linux, effectively using any printer (almost) as plug&play, still boggles my mind. One of THE most dreadful things to set up, to this day, in Windows, done out of the box in Linux. Crazy.
Nerds allow people on the INternet
True @Megatronpt but there’s humour for me in the fact that the original poster asked a simple question about an inexpensive laptop.
Within a few posts the nerds are talking Linux.
Swiens stated up front that they’re not tech savvy. I never, ever suggest Linux to non techy people if they don’t have a techy in their life that loves them. Odds are, they’re used to Windows. I f so, I would suggest sticking with what they know.
I’m more of a Suse guy myself but everything else checks out. Especially for gaming imo.
And this is the rub. Only us nerds give a crap about Linux.
Evangelizing linux to someone without a linux geek to support them (or who is willing to become one) is a recipe for disaster.
My 10y old wants me to teach her how to install audio, design and games on the Linux Desktop they have.
It’s only Linux Mint, but works nicely!
Was gonna say, MacOS has had a fully functional “Linux terminal” in it for decades. That was actually one of the main reasons why I switched for my personal computers.
Tbf, I had answered the original question before any talk of nerd stuff started. I’ve been the IT game long enough on the operations side that I know better than to give customers anything other than what they’re asking for.
[quote=“faydout, post:55, topic:60699, full:true”]
Swiens stated up front that they’re not tech savvy. I never, ever suggest Linux to non techy people if they don’t have a techy in their life that loves them. Odds are, they’re used to Windows. I f so, I would suggest sticking with what they know. [/quote]
Actually a very good point. Please forgive me for the Linux “evangelism”, it’s rather instinctive these days but also derailing the topic.
Back on topic, again, the laptop that was suggested is pretty good. Should point out that Staples and BestBuy in Canada both currently have sales going on, should be easy to find a reasonable laptop in that budget.