https://quarto.org is an open-source scientific and technical publishing system. You write markdown text and it converts it to HTML website, PDF article/book, word document and many other formats.
"Using LaTeX" and "programing with LaTeX" are very different things. For most people, LaTeX is a means to an end, for you LaTeX is your whole job. You're the exception, and exception can not be an example.
I recommend looking for refurbished laptops. As they'd give you better bang for buck. If you do indeed to with refurbished laptop, check everything thoroughly before buying including how long the battery lasts and if the display has any deffects.
For media consumption, internet browsing etc, Linux is more than ready to replace Windows. However, problems do arise in exotic hardware combinations, but these days, this is the exception rather than the norm.
Could you please elaborate on how it "opens" your mind and makes you question things?