What Apple hardware tax? The macbook air is the best value laptop there is. If the latest version is out of the budget, you can buy older generations used. Even m1 air would be better than any windows laptop at a comparable price point.

Yeah, because only being able to afford used stuff is such a great place to be.

Better than buying a new but crap product for sure?

70% of the world doesn't think it is crap.

https://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/desktop/worldwide