I just converted a 2017 HP windows 10 laptop that was slow as fuck. I downloaded Manjaro Linux because from the description it seemed user-friendly and I'm a Linux newb. The only complaint I have so far is installing programs can be a bit more work then I like, although it's probably just a rookie mistake. As far as Libre Office it seems just as functional as Microsoft Office, just takes a little to learn where everything is. The laptop now boots up in seconds compared to minutes w/windows.

Edit:This user post a lot about Linux perhaps they'll know how to answer you

For a £250 budget, yeah, you are better off going on ebay and looking at either the used or refurbished laptops. Pretty much anything over five years old will have good support from the linux kernel out of the box, though you may need to install separate "driver" packages for the wifi chipset, but this varies by laptop manufacturer and things have gotten much better these days.

If you are going to purchase a laptop which is five or 10 years old, especially one with a lower spec'ed CPU or RAM, I would recommend running a distro that gives you either the LXDE or XFCE desktop environments. is a good example.

I would recommend PopOS, but it runs Gnome3 for the desktop environment, and if your CPU is on the slower side, it may struggle to keep up.

Office alternatives are in plenty. You can use the online O365 apps, of course, but there are propietery office suites like and which try to match the theme and functionality of Office 2013 and above as best they can. WPS is supposed to have the best office doc format compatibility, though I have never tried it myself.

I think you can do Word and Excel online now. It's a sub based thing now, but if I remember right it IS offered, and since it's browser based it doesn't matter what OS you're using. Alternatively, you can use the Libreoffice suite of programs that Linux offers for free, or you can use the Google office online services for free (I know you wanted to escape them but it is an option). I'm not sure what your exact usage will require so I can't say more than that. I will say that it will be difficult to get a laptop without MS already included at that price point. You can check Dell, or I would recommend to check out local pawn shops for any deals. Either way, good luck, and don't be afraid to ask questions :)

there is linux clones of both word and excel... i might be wrong on this but i think you can save/export as Microsoft files