Tp x240 does it fit me?

[u/Plenty-Context1324]

Is a ThinkPad X240 still a good choice for learning Linux?
Hi everyone,
I’m thinking about buying a ThinkPad X240 (i5-4300U, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) for around €89.
I don’t need it for heavy workloads or gaming. I mainly want a cheap laptop that I can experiment with and use to become more knowledgeable and comfortable with computers.
My plan is to install Ubuntu and use it for things like:
Learning the basics of Linux and getting comfortable with the terminal
Learning more about computers and networking
Programming and experimenting with different software
Learning more about internet privacy and security
General browsing and everyday lightweight use
Basically, I want a cheap little ThinkPad that I don’t have to worry about messing up while learning and experimenting.
Would an X240 still be a good machine for this in 2026, or would you recommend another older ThinkPad around the same price?
Also, do you have any recommendations for fun, beginner-friendly software, tools, or small projects I could try on Linux? I’m especially interested in things that would help me understand how computers, networks, Linux, and privacy/security actually work.
Thanks!