Comment by danans
Lenovo has tons of options that you can configure to your delight including with Ubuntu pre-installed, well below your $2000CAD price limit. I'd be surprised if you can't get one with USB-A ports:
https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/d/linux-laptops-desktops/
And as I often state here, Chromebooks have a Debian Linux distro 2 clicks away, including the ability to run X11 GUI programs like VSCode and Cursor for software development.
Because it's an integrated OS/hardware product, there's no fussing with display drivers or power management issues. It all "just works". High performance models kitted out with 16GB RAM and USB A and C ports can be purchased for < $800USD, like:
https://www.acer.com/us-en/chromebooks/acer-chromebook-plus-...
If high-performance is less of a concern, you can get models with very usable performance for < $500USD.
Yeah you are right. Just checked out Lenovo ThinkPad L16 Gen 1 with 32GB ram and it costs 1,143 CAD (it's a deal but the original cost is still < 2,000 CAD). I was thinking more about workstations back then, but I probably don't need one TBH. I guess my X1 Carbon experience kinda tarnished my view of Lenovo laptops.