I forgot to mention.

One area where branding can come in handy is in identifying a niche in which the brand establishes a reputation for expertise.

If running Linux and having it explicitly supported by your hardware is critical to you, then you are part of the market that brands such as Tuxedo and System76 are seeking. (The latter even makes its own distribution!) Conversely, if you want to support brands that identify your needs as explicitly worthy of support, then giving them your business will contribute towards keeping these brands healthy.

- Evan