Regarding the use of lightweight laptops, I don't recommend them. Lightweight laptops are inherently less powerful due to their design for portability, and there's always a risk of dropping them in the field, which could damage them.
As for my own experience, I chose an older, rugged laptop with a small screen. It was a Panasonic CF-19, which I upgraded with more RAM and a solid-state drive, and installed Windows 10. The biggest drawback is that the processor is quite old – it's a 3rd generation Intel i5. While the laptop is old, it still performs well for my needs. Programs like FT8 and HRD don't require much processing power, so I have no problems running them. The built-in serial port also allows me to handle any situation that requires one.
What makes this laptop particularly valuable is its rugged design. While it's bulkier than modern laptops, it can withstand bumps and drops without damage. In the field, it can even be used as a makeshift tool in an emergency.