This is not true

You can get refurbished thinkpads that run great for $200 ish

And how much do refurbished mobile phones cost?

I just got one for $365

That's more expensive than a new mobile phone. Come on...

It was an S22 , over 50% savings

I got a refurbished thinkpad x1 for $200 and installed linux. Runs like a dream, only regret is I didnt get it sooner. I also use a pixel phone with GrapheneOS installed which I use the Amethyst app to access for nostr.