I tend to lean in this direction as well. A 4GB RPi4 would work, but the Pi itself costs $55, plus a dedicated USB power supply, uSD card, the HDMI adapter I us

I tend to lean in this direction as well. A 4GB RPi4 would work, but the Pi itself costs $55, plus a dedicated USB power supply, uSD card, the HDMI adapter I usually need, webcam, possible case/cooling fan (Pi4's can get hot), plus a spare keyboard, mouse, and monitor. The total package ends up significantly more expensive than the "list price" of an RPi itself, and it ends up not making much more sense than buying a used x230 or something off of eBay for <$200.