I think the error is quite verbose and tells you everything you need to know.

Generally, do not install packages outside of a virtual environment unless you know what you’re doing. Given the option, use your package manager version of the same package. Outside of that, use your python environment manager of choice to install stuff. There are lots of options: conda, uv, venv, virtualenv, pipenv, etc.

The error exists to warn you that you could potentially break critical system installed packages by installing other things at a user or system level with pip.

You might consider trying Miniconda, a version of Anaconda. It installs a local python environment of your choosing at a user level. https://docs.anaconda.com/miniconda/

I would get a Thinkpad, either used or new, with that budget. Generally all the hardware will work out of the box, with the possible exception of the fingerprint reader if it exists. RAM and SSD should be replaceable, so if you purchase new just do the upgrade yourself to save some bucks.

The very brief summary: You need 7 perms on directories to write to them. So, 774, 770, or what have you for user/group perms.

I have Arch running on an old Acer chromebook, different model but similar hardware. If you’re alright with some manual configuration, then it’s a good option. it fits the lightweight requirement, but not sure about low maintenance.

You should write a post if you do. Would be funny!

I mean yeah, Hexchat does work pretty well and is kind of finished. But it’s possible there are existing security vulnerabilities or new ones to be discovered in the future.

Just to let you know, Hexchat is no longer maintained, unless someone has forked it. Might be worth looking into alternatives.

https://hexchat.github.io/news/2.16.2.html

You generally want to use a model which has been fine tuned to work around the inbuilt censorship. There are plenty available on huggingface currently. It’s not a perfect solution, but works well enough for what it is.

I would suggest using the llama.cpp backend with a frontend of your choosing.