M1 and M2 models run Asahi Linux, M3 and M4 don't run anything natively I think (but not entirely sure).
Ah ofc I forgot. But iirc not everything works and battery life will probably suck, no? So not really a consideration in this case of price comparison. It is an option though :)
Personally I also can't stand the exterior design, albeit overall hardware of MBP is good. Guess if I land an old MBP this is what I'd do with it.
How is Thunderbolt or display port alt mode support?
M1 and M2 run Linux but don't expect usable battery life, Thunderbolt output or a few other niceties.