I’m from Reddit too. I started on Lemm.ee and I made accounts at like 4 other instances. It’s extremely easy to make accounts and switch in the app you’re using (I’m on Voyager).

Feddit.org, a German server, was down earlier for Maintenace and I switched to infosec. It’s really easy. Not a commitment to apply and jump between instances.

You don’t have to wait. You could apply for a few you like the description of and try them out. If you don’t like them, don’t use them. If you like them—stau! :)

I just want to second this comment and chime in with my experiences. (Thanks also for the information on Framework as I’m not familiar and love to learn)

My family primarily uses Thinkpads. We refurbish them for fun (and often give them away to our community). We run Linux easily on almost all our Thinkpads. So far, Linux works very well even on some old machines (as old as 2012 which wouldn’t be what OP is looking for but still worth mentioning).

We try different distros all the time but mostly stick with Fedora and PopOS.

Right now, I am on a refurbished Thinkpad T480s running PopOS. The 7th gen processor is probably too slow for OP but it runs Linux great and it can even handle running a large dwarf fortress through Steam haha. The T480s also has a touchscreen option (and screens can often be swapped out). The T480s screens usually have a hinge where they can lay completely flat (although, I’m not sure if they are pen compatible).

A more recent Thinkpad with a better processor could be an option for OP to consider in addition to the other great suggestions you made. :)