You might think that this is different with apple - it is not.

What do you mean? This service from google is for android devices and hence google devices.

This is what apple has done for years but nobody complainted

I need it for normal desktop use. Email, coding, browsing (no gaming)

I need it to be completely without fans due to the location where I need it.

Yes i would say 1000-1200euro tops for the budget with option to add more ram later. Would you think i3 is enough? I am not too familiar with the newer generations

Even having it there tells le that privacy is not a primary focus.

What a joke - calling itself privacy first with one hand while offering openAI integration with the other

Nextcloud

Switched a long time ago - it's just soooo much easier and I never have any problems