My favorite is also Linux. I am keeping an over a decade old Dell laptop especially for that purpose.
It simply works.
Option 3:
container with netinstall.
Can be a welcome solution for remote locations where suitable HW is present ?
Been toying with it this weekend, container on AX3 with external USB, netinstalled several times mAP Lite, mAP and Hex using routeros, also wireless package where needed, with or without clearing of config.
All first time right once I got the initial environment parameters for that container correct.
Definitely one to put in the toolbox.
I believe bpwl already played in the past with EOIP to netinstall remotely but especially on slow connections it could be a real challenge.