Take a look at our
ThinkPads.com HOME PAGE
For those who might want to contribute to the blog, start here: Editors Alley Topic
Then contact Bill with a Private Message

Suggestions for a ThinkPad daily driver

General Questions, Rumors, Real news & More
Post Reply
Message
Author
hellfire103
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2022 9:33 am
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
Contact:

Suggestions for a ThinkPad daily driver

#1 Post by hellfire103 » Fri Sep 27, 2024 5:13 pm

I've recently broken my ten-year-old MacBook in a mishap involving some ionic cleaning fluids, and I am looking to replace it with a ThinkPad.

I am currently at uni, studying cybersecurity, and this particular course also has a lot of software development at the start. I also would be looking to play some videogames (nothing too taxing though; really just Minecraft, Terraria, Stardew Valley, etc.; assuming I don't go for FreeBSD instead of Linux), watch some videos, and do a bit of video editing.

The device being replaced was a mid-2014 MacBookPro11,1 A1502. Compared to my other hardware, though, this is a powerhouse.

I have already looked at a few models (namely the T450 and the X1 Carbon Gen. 10), but these have always had a snag or two that are a deal breaker.

Of course, I will be running either Linux, BSD, or some other *nix.

In terms of specs, I would be needing:
  • At least 8GB of RAM (or upgradable to/past)
  • A CPU equal or better than the i5 in the Mac
  • At least 256GB of storage (SSD preferable, but not essential)
  • 1400x900 resolution or higher
  • WiFi drivers available for BSD
  • Decent battery life
  • Screen must be less than 17", or it won't fit in my bag
  • Ideally no more than five years old; although an older ThinkPad could be doable
  • Either AMD-based or made after 2018 (to prevent Meltdown attacks, should I decide to run Linux-libre or something else without microcode updates)
Unless a device is ridiculously expensive, the cost shouldn't be a problem. Also, I live in the UK.

So, any suggestions?
I have a T400, but more will soon follow...

BillMorrow
*Senior* Admin
*Senior* Admin
Posts: 7652
Joined: Tue Apr 13, 2004 9:40 pm
Location: San Francisco -> Florida -> Georgia
Contact:

Re: Suggestions for a ThinkPad daily driver

#2 Post by BillMorrow » Fri Sep 27, 2024 6:04 pm

i drive an X1 extreme gen 2 i think, touch 4k, 32gig, forgot SSD size..
have two X1 extreme gen1's available for $500 MOL, same specs as above..
not pushing a sale as i'll give one to my wife to replace the X1 carbon gen2 she is now using..
Bill Morrow, kept by parrots :parrot: & cockatoos
Sysop - forum.thinkpads.com

*
She was not what you would call refined,
She was not what you would call unrefined,
She was the type of person who kept a parrot.
~~~Mark Twain~~~

TPFanatic
Senior ThinkPadder
Senior ThinkPadder
Posts: 2410
Joined: Thu Jul 30, 2015 11:29 pm
Location: Boston, Massachusetts

Re: Suggestions for a ThinkPad daily driver

#3 Post by TPFanatic » Fri Sep 27, 2024 6:17 pm

Look for a recent P14s or X1 Carbon, these are high quality products with good specs for expert/pro use.
Stable of Unicorns: P71 4K 7700HQ 20H2 ~ T430 QHD 3632QM Server 2008 R2 ~ X330 WQXGA 3615QE 22H2 ~ R500 WUXGA T9400 7 Ult ~ T500 WSXGA+ P9700 7 Ult ~ R61i UXGA T9500 22H2 ~ X61s SXGA+ T8100 7 Ult ~ T60 UXGA T7400 7 Ult ~ A31p UXGA 2.0 SL6V9 XP Pro
2 finger scroll on old Synaptics touchpads

ZaZ
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 4786
Joined: Fri May 13, 2005 1:33 pm
Location: Minnesota

Re: Suggestions for a ThinkPad daily driver

#4 Post by ZaZ » Fri Sep 27, 2024 9:10 pm

Since your MacBook is now ten years old, I presume you plan to this a while so therefore would suggest something with a Zen 2 AMD CPU or better. The X, T, P , L and E all offer models with them. The Carbon is a fine machine, but it's Intel only and the memory is soldered, so no upgrades.
ThinkPad L14 - 2.1GHz Ryzen 4650U | 16GB | 256GB | 14" FHD | Win11P
ProBook 470 G5 - 1.6GHz Core i5 | 16GB | 2.2TB | 17" FHD | Mint

Post Reply
  • Similar Topics
    Replies
    Views
    Last post

Return to “GENERAL ThinkPad News/Comments & Questions”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 16 guests