Concerning Lenovo:
There was a post on FR within the past couple of years — I don’t have the link — by a Freeper with a son who works in US intelligence. This poster asked his son what laptop to buy. The son said to buy any brand other than Lenovo. He was unable to say why, but he was adamant that the parent should not buy Lenovo under any circumstance.
That tips the scales for me. Thanks. NO Lenovo.
Try google “Lenovo malware”....they are cheaper for a reason. Whether the malware is put there on purpose or not, it’s up to debate.