Ubuntu on a T4*0 (14", rugged upgradability over slimness) has kept me happy for years. It seems to be the most common Linux hardware, so tends to be well supported.

- Best keyboard you'll find on a laptop

- Upto 32GB of RAM (T460)

- Removable, hotswappable batteries

- Desk docking is useful

- Replace / upgrade whatever you like, yourself

- If you want to save money, a 1-2 year old model will have specs similar to the latest MBP and be going for $500 refurbished

- They refuse to die. I have 7 year old ThinkPads on the latest Ubuntu LTS, working like a dream as media servers, etc

- They use Debian on ThinkPads on space stations!

- No garish logos / aspirational consumer lifestyle marketing