[random internet parenting advice]
To me, the important features of a laptop for an 11 year old (whether they are interested in programming or not) are:
1. That you won't be angry if it gets broken or lost.
2. It plays games.
The most important part of your child's laptop is that it is your child's and not yours. Between now and the time your child reaches your age, they will have periods of more interest in programming, periods of less interest in programming, and probably periods of no interest in programming.
I'd put it this way, my (bit older) child has had seven computers. Two were my old laptops. One was school issued. One was a cheap refurbished Dell. Another was a used Dell tower. One was one of my RPi's. Only the seventh and most recent was new -- my child needed something compact for Advanced Debate at the High School because competing is a academic requirement...
Good luck.
