I don't live in the states.

What is a cheaper but good enough alternative in your opinion?

Here is one with 512 GB SSD, 16 GB, DirectX 12.1, Vulkan 1.3, under 500 euros, and enough connections without dongles.

https://www.auchan.pt/pt/tecnologia-e-eletrodomesticos/tecno...

Interesting. You save 200 euros(in germany) but lose significant CPU performance. As long as its not a chromebook its usable.