It isn’t actually a file manager. It is called a “file picker” and has been a reason to rant as long as I can remember, so close to a decade.
Kali isn’t meant to be a desktop OS. Use it only in VM or in a spare rig. It is meant to be a toolbox. So dual boot it with your daily driver OS or use in a VM.
Your Mac can take Linux just well: https://djharper.dev/post/2020/06/07/running-linux-on-my-macbook/
For your 300 bucks budget look nothing else than Thinkpad T480 or HP Dev One. T480 will need replacement batteries if not replaced yet.
When you take Pop_OS! into account?
Hey, do you have plans to open any communities into Lemmy?
I know this doesn’t help but I think the file picker is by far the worst feature Linux has ever had. And our opinions are quite common among Linux users.