Used computers are a better value. If you want an Apple, I'd buy a used macbook over new, and a used thinkpad is just awesome, it's a really nice machine and will serve you well. I would go with the thinkpad. Also check out Dell outlet for refurbished and scratch and dent, I've bought from them several times.
https://outlet.us.dell.com/ also back market:
https://www.backmarket.com/en-us/p/lenovo-thinkpad-x1-carbon...When I was a student, I almost exclusively bought used computers online and generally had positive experiences, and never had a bad experience. It's not like a car where you need a professional pre-purchase inspection, it's pretty easy to check.
If you are going to get a used computer, check the remaining SSD life, remaining battery life, and inspect the screen for dead pixels. Lots of sources online for how to do this. The advantage of refurbished is this is taken care of for you.
