If your goal is to ditch Windows and get a smooth Linux experience, go for hardware that plays nicely with the kernel out of the box. ThinkPads (T or X series), Dell and Framework laptops are great picks.
On the desktop side, an AMD Ryzen will give you a rock-solid, hassle-free setup. For an easy transition, many folks start with Linux Mint, Ubuntu LTS (personally recommended), or Fedora Workstation. You can test them from a USB stick first to make sure everything works before installing.
You’ve already got the background to make this move feel natural again. Welcome to the community!