That is an older laptop. I run an even older HP laptop on Arch that still feels zippy, even compared to my gaming desktop pc. One thing to remember is POP_OS! is designed for newer computers as it is built by a company who sells them. There are known issues with POP_OS! and Mesa drivers. The Mesa driver might not be efficiently handling the graphical demands of the default POP_OS! desktop. I'm not suggesting to switch your distro, just keep in mind going forward that it is made for newer systems.
Some further troubleshooting you can try:
- Check for Driver Updates: Ensure the system is fully up-to-date by running
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgradein the terminal . - Use a system monitor tool like
htop,btopor the built-in system monitor to see if the CPU or RAM is maxing out when opening a program. - Check for Overheating: Check if the laptop feels unusually warm. This could indicate a need to clean the cooling vents and fan.