Linux runs well on older Intel Macs. I like them for laptops. With an adapter you can use regular nvme drives, my 2014 MBA has 1tb, and it's twice as fast as the original.
Discussion
I actually spoke too soon. The networking dropped several times during the install, and started moving at a crawl.
Disabled networking during the install. Now booted and updating, and I think one of the package repositories is extremely slow right now.
Could never get the software updater to work properly. The entire system became unusable after attempting to run it.
Flashed a Ubuntu 22 LTS image and installed / updated with no problems. Now attempting to get to 24 LTS by way of the 22 upgrade path.
Fwiw I have good luck with MX Linux, everything works oob on a new install. The only necessary change I make on a new install is to install mbpfan to better control thermals.