@kugiigi said

I don't understand why they even care where you bought it. Unlocking bootloader factory resets the device right?
It's not like you're using it to access data from a stolen device..And you'll need access on the device to even allow unlocking

On my previous phone purchases (6 google Pixels, to install 5 LineageOS & 1 UT), I was aware I needed to buy 'Factory Unlocked', and not originally sold by Verizon or AT&T, because they refused to unlock bootloaders.
My guess is that, at least partly, they realize that by installing 3rd party firmware, we extend the life of the device and put off buying new ones.
I read what I could find regarding Oneplus, and it looked as though, as long as carrier was unlocked (which implied phone paid off), then Oneplus would unlock bootloader (for T-mobile sold models).
I discovered that, at least in my case (BE2028), not always true.
[Since this failure, I searched info for other possible UT candidates, and read that Xiaomi is less helpful for unlocking lately].
I also discovered (sadly for this UT project) there are far more 'factory unlocked' Pixels available used than Nord N10's !

I deleted it after reading that Libertine is on its way out & Snap now supported, so I installed the snap version & it works OK- wireless external display - 4K TV.
Also connected $10 (USD-Amazon) Acasis USB-C port expander to charge and plug in USB Keyboard & USB stick (with *.ods test file).

@idonthatevests
The N10 5G is 5G. The N100 is similar, but no 5G. Some people said they ordered N10 from somewhere, but got N100, so watch out for that. If in USA, search for BE2026. You might have trouble unlocking BE2028.

on Ebay, over 10 used N10's (some BE2026) have sold for under $100 in past 2 months. Some new-in-box BE2026 have recently sold for over $150.

@Yumi
installed UT 2 days ago on 1+ Nord N10 (BE2026). [Note VoLTE worked, but NOT WiFi calling].
UT mentions 'Desktop Convergence', so I tried to see if my phone could reproduce my Linux Mint LibreOffice 'desktop experience'.
Easy to connect to WIRELESS external display (limited to 1080P), as long as that display runs Miracast (my LG TV's do).
Then I connected Acasis multiport USB-C hub, with PD charging, a wired keyboard, wired mouse, Gigabit ethernet adapter and USB-A Flash drive.
I installed LibreOffice via snap. (direct, no libertine required).
I opened a spreadsheet that had been created on main PC.
not as quick as main PC, but workable.
Image on TV was a bit 'wavy', moving top to bottom, as it refreshed, or something. (maybe 2.4Ghz WiFi interference also)
A phone model with WIRED external display capability probably fixes the 'wavy'.
I did NOT exhaustively test this (meaning the usability for lengthy spreadsheet changes).
It was just to see if it would work.
If you have a specific thing to try, let me know. I might be able to give a quick test.

@Moem Great suggestion.
Since I am newbie, I did not think of this.
Also, I thought maybe I am doing something wrong.
Thank You

@mango
I did find & install snap for Thunderbird a couple days ago. Installs, but not open (actually, a 'fuzzy box with a text bar at top appears, but nothing in fuzzy box). Then tried series of questions on Google AI 'reasoning model' via browser. It had a series of troubleshooting commands to type in to terminal. I did not follow through yet due to sharing the same display between UT phone and main PC doing the AI thread. Summary was AI estimate of required spending approximately 10 hours on configuration, IF using UT on a phone that had WIRED external monitor, USB Keyboard, mouse, etc. AI thought MANY more hours required if using a wireless external display.
I gave up on Thunderbird at that point.

Searched for snap for Linphone. found none.

Found snap for Signal. Installed. No account so it shows "failed to connect to server". So, it might work.

Firefox snap install process gave error: bad plugs or slots: kerberos-tickets (unknown interface "kerberos-tickets"). No icon installed on main screen.

Just installed Brave browser via snap. Installed with no errors, opens on wireless external display, and performs a web search, & display correctly. (5 second test. NOT comprehensive. but it opened & looked OK)

@RapidRotator said

Anyway, I don't have a Miracast, but I can cast Jellyfin to my Panasonic TV with does 1080p with perfect quality from my N10.

I just looked up Jellyfin. Seems to be different from UT Miracast over WiFi.
Miracast is system built into many TV's since it launched in 2012.
From what I recently read, cell phone running UT talks directly to the TV via WiFi.
Limited though, 1080P max, even if you have a 4K TV. (Looks usable though).
I also read that since Google Chromecast came out, Google reduced Android support.
Also, I think no Miracast support on Google / Android Smart TV's (not positive of this).

@mango
Wow !
Thank you for that effort !
I like your one-click-install idea ...
Now, to access Proton mail via Thunderbird, just need to install Proton Mail Bridge on host Linux PC, and configure phone to access that ?
or
compile Proton Mail Bridge for ARM ?

@ChromiumOS-Guy
Thank You. I might follow that up when I have a bit more time & energy.
I bought an easy-to-unlock BE2026 via Ebay, which arrived a couple days ago, and got UT installed.
I still have a BE2028 to try to unlock. Not worth a huge effort now, though.