I've been high-end desktop Linux user all my life and Thinkpads were my primary choice for laptops. Last two years I've been using x1 carbon gen3 released in 2017 so it's not so far from current-gen Intel laptops.
Yeah Air on M1 cannot beat triple 1440p 164HZ monitor setup with high end desktop hardware, but it's still damn impressive. It's has slightly better 16:10 screen, more performance than any of current x1 thinkpads and Air that I bought is absolutely silent too.
Also might be in the US you have comparable prices on Thinkpad or some Linux-friendly laptops, but where I live I bought Macbook for 2/3 of comparable Thinkpad price. I've used to buy used ones, but now they became much more expensive due to high demand and much less of air travel (less smugling I guess).
I would never buy a Thinkpad outside of edu-deals. They cost less and get 3y on-site support. It's a good deal, but otherwise they are overpriced for what they delivered recently...
Right now, I am torn between a *FHD*, AMD X13, 16GB RAM/500GB SSD for about *1000€* and the Air 16/500 at 1400€. I hate my life for that decision right now...
Yeah Air on M1 cannot beat triple 1440p 164HZ monitor setup with high end desktop hardware, but it's still damn impressive. It's has slightly better 16:10 screen, more performance than any of current x1 thinkpads and Air that I bought is absolutely silent too.
Also might be in the US you have comparable prices on Thinkpad or some Linux-friendly laptops, but where I live I bought Macbook for 2/3 of comparable Thinkpad price. I've used to buy used ones, but now they became much more expensive due to high demand and much less of air travel (less smugling I guess).