Sorry if this was already mentioned, a quick search didn't turn up exact matches to what would be my $0.02.
A simple and relatively safe option would be to go into a computer store that has many machines that can also be tried. Look for a machine with something like 11th gen Intel or AMD 5600U/5800U CPU-s with enough RAM for your needs and decent build quality – this is why it'd be the best to do it in person.
If you find a machine you're happy with regarding its specs and build quality, just throw a reliable GNU+Linux OS on it (Debian with Budgie has been my go-to choice lately), and enjoy your hardware. If you plan on gaming, AMD discrete GPUs will cause less headaches, but nVidia drivers can also be easily installed if you follow the tutorial for your distro of choice.
TLDR: 1–2 year old hardware in a decent chassis running GNU+Linux will likely make you pretty happy for a lot less money.
EDIT: I see Dell being recommended everywhere... All the dead motherboards I've seen in laptops were only in Dells. If you choose a Dell, be sure to get some excellent return policy with it, but even then you may be left without a laptop for a while in the case of failure. This is not the case with business-oriented models though, but Asus, Lenovo, MSI, and even Clevo have proven to be more reliable in my experience. The build quality vaires between brands and model lines, so that you need to experience in person.
A simple and relatively safe option would be to go into a computer store that has many machines that can also be tried. Look for a machine with something like 11th gen Intel or AMD 5600U/5800U CPU-s with enough RAM for your needs and decent build quality – this is why it'd be the best to do it in person.
If you find a machine you're happy with regarding its specs and build quality, just throw a reliable GNU+Linux OS on it (Debian with Budgie has been my go-to choice lately), and enjoy your hardware. If you plan on gaming, AMD discrete GPUs will cause less headaches, but nVidia drivers can also be easily installed if you follow the tutorial for your distro of choice.
TLDR: 1–2 year old hardware in a decent chassis running GNU+Linux will likely make you pretty happy for a lot less money.
EDIT: I see Dell being recommended everywhere... All the dead motherboards I've seen in laptops were only in Dells. If you choose a Dell, be sure to get some excellent return policy with it, but even then you may be left without a laptop for a while in the case of failure. This is not the case with business-oriented models though, but Asus, Lenovo, MSI, and even Clevo have proven to be more reliable in my experience. The build quality vaires between brands and model lines, so that you need to experience in person.