The angle of smartphones taking over the role that was occupied by cheap PCs makes a ton of sense. I’m certain there’s (at least) some truth to it.

I’m worried that there’s not much room for FOSS in this new world. Let’s hope I’m wrong.

I’m (at least) a bit more optimistic :P .

This is like talking to a chatbot on store site!

😅. Yeah, sorry. I suppose, in retrospect, I had (still) failed to completely grasp what your point was. And I wanted to be direct/blunt in hopes of finally getting it.

#2: not enough RAM

FWIW, over where I’m at, HP sells it with 8 gb of ram for under 400 euros. Full specs in case you’re curious:

HP Chromebook x360 14

• Processor: Intel Processor N200 (Intel N-series, 4 cores / 4 threads, up to 3.7 GHz Turbo, 6 MB L3 cache)
• Memory (RAM): 8 GB LPDDR5-4800 (onboard/soldered)
• Storage: 128 GB UFS
• Display: 14-inch touchscreen IPS (edge-to-edge glass), 1920×1080 (Full HD), 250 nits, 62.5% sRGB, 16:9
• Graphics card: Intel UHD Graphics (integrated/shared)
• Operating system: ChromeOS
• Network connections: Wi‑Fi 6 (MediaTek MT7921 2×2), Bluetooth 5.3
• Connections: 2× USB‑C (5 Gb/s; Power Delivery + DisplayPort 1.4), 1× USB‑A (5 Gb/s), 1× headphone/mic combo jack
• Extra options: 2‑in‑1 convertible, 720p HP True Vision webcam (temporal noise reduction), dual mics, two speakers, accelerometer + gyroscope, webcam kill switch, H1 secure microcontroller, fast charging (~50% in 45 min), 100 GB Google One (1-year subscription included)
• Weight: 1.37 kg
• Dimensions (L × W × H): 323 × 210.3 × 20.4 mm
• Battery / charging: 47 Wh (2-cell Li-ion polymer), 45 W USB‑C power adapter, up to 11 hours
• Color: Glacier Silver
• Warranty: 1 year limited warranty (parts + labor; no on-site repair)

The same niche exists today but it is occupied by ARM and Mediatek. This is the fundamental problem.

Understood, finally. Then, yeah: Agreed. 100%.

Though, I don’t know the mechanics at hand/play that have contributed to our current status quo. My naive take would be that Windows 11’s increased hardware requirements has made it harder for lower end devices to support it; thus paving the way for a higher floor of system specs across the board. Hence, higher prices, even without accounting the current price hikes due to the whole AI bubble that’s about to pop. Though, that doesn’t quite explain what’s up with the lack of cheap x86 on Chromebooks…

Then, please, could you help me understand whether a device with the specs found below does (or does not) satisfy you:

HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2

• Processor: Intel Core i5-7200U
• Memory (RAM): 8 GB DDR3 RAM
• Storage: 256 GB SSD
• Display: 13.3-inch touchscreen, 1920×1080 pixels
• Network connections: Wi‑Fi with 5 GHz support
• Display outputs: HDMI
• Connections: 2× USB 3.0, Bluetooth
• Extra options: Bluetooth, card reader, HDMI, touchscreen, USB‑C, backlit keyboard, webcam
• Graphics card Intel HD Graphics
• Operating system: Windows 10 Pro
• Keyboard layout: QWERTY
• Weight: 1.28 kg
• Dimensions (L × W × H): 218.5 × 316.9 × 14.9 mm
• Price: €235,-

If you don’t want refurbished, then how about the following device?

HP Chromebook x360

• Processor: Intel Processor N100 (Alder Lake, quad-core, up to 3.4 GHz turbo)
• Memory (RAM): 4 GB DDR5
• Storage: 128 GB eMMC
• Display: 14-inch touchscreen IPS, 1920×1080 pixels (Full HD), 60 Hz, glossy
• Graphics card: Intel UHD Graphics (shared)
• Operating system: Google Chrome OS
• Network connections: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3
• Connections: 1× USB-A 3.0, 2× USB-C 3.0 (with DisplayPort Alt Mode and power delivery)
• Extra options: Touchscreen, 2-in-1 convertible, backlit keyboard (not present), HD webcam (720p), card reader
• Keyboard layout: QWERTY
• Weight: 1.37 kg
• Dimensions (L × W × H): 323 × 210.3 × 20.4 mm
• Price: €419,-

And, finally, if you actually want somewhat modern hardware, how about this one?

Lenovo Chromebook Plus 2-in-1 14

• Processor: Intel Core 3 N355 (1.9 GHz to 3.9 GHz turbo)
• Memory (RAM): 8 GB LPDDR5-4800 (soldered)
• Storage: 256 GB UFS 2.2
• Display: 14-inch WUXGA (1920×1200) IPS touchscreen, anti-glare, 300 nits, 60 Hz
• Graphics card: Integrated Intel Graphics
• Operating system: Chrome OS
• Network connections: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
• Connections: 2× USB-A, 2× USB-C (with Power Delivery & DisplayPort), HDMI, Combo Audio Jack
• Extra options: 2-in-1 convertible, touchscreen, backlit keyboard, Lenovo USI Pen (Gen 2) support, haptic touchpad
• Keyboard layout: QWERTY
• Weight: 1.40 kg
• Dimensions (L × W × H): 320 × 223.5 × 19.9 mm
• Price: €549,-

As many others have already pointed out: it’s currently not the best time to buy hardware. FWIW, you could have grabbed Star Labs’ StarLite^[1] last year for 750 €. Currently, it starts at 1014 €.

Btw, OP, perhaps I’m obnoxious/oblivious/obtuse (or what have you), but I wasn’t able to parse what you mean exactly with Linux compatible hardware. If it’s not too much trouble for you, could you be very explicit?

EDIT: At one time, the StarLite was available for 416 (!) £. At least, as per this article of GamingOnLinux.