is it possible to make a thinkpad with intel nuc boards

[alitahriki]

hi there
i used to like thinkpads, im currently using t420/x220 but after this series (with x230/t430 and later) thinkpads are not that good, x250 is just like any other notebook, with a silly keyboard and all this shiny stuff.

i want to upgrade my t420 with new processor/ddr4 memory and want to keep this casing/keyboard. and i believe i can attach an edp panel to it
is it possible to fit a intel nuc board in it?
will my battery be sufficient for a nuc board with notebook processor?
is there any change that i can include an external gpu and use nvidia optimus?
do you have a better idea to build a good laptop ?

[axur-delmeria]

The rear I/O ports on the Intel NUCs are too tall to fit in a T420 chassis.

To be honest, I don't know if there's a single-board computer that's affordable, small, thin, and powerful enough to be considered an upgrade over the T420.

[lembang]

Not so sure which intel NUC board you are referring. I notice there is some intel nuc board with a lower I/O port
but I'm pretty sure it will require a hardcore modification on it.
I do agree the old keyboard has some better feel when you are typing. I would say T430 is not that bad, and also heard lenovo latest firmware on that model allowed us to use t420 keyboard on it.

[TonyJZX]

Interesting premise. Thing is the good nucs get very expensive... easily over $500 since the i7s are already expensive.

However I like the T420/420s. I think its the ultimate 14" classic and I think mine, even with only 4Gb ram i5 2520 and ssd pretty much is as good as you'd be expect of this generation.

I dont need more power.