ThinkPad for Web Design/Software Dev/Light Graphic Design

[bendwebdesign]

Thanks in advance for any/all help. I own a web design company, so right now that is mainly what I do. I mainly use Adobe Brackets along with Illustrator and Photoshop. I'm currently working on a degree in Software Development and hope to begin shifting away from web design and more towards mobile app creation. I'm looking for a laptop that will be good for what I'm doing. I used a ThinkPad (I do not remember the model) from 2004-2008 at a previous job and loved it. I would like to get another one and use it solely for work (docked, with external keyboard, mouse and 3 monitors). I currently use a desktop, which works great, but when I need to meet clients or travel I am forced to use a laptop that I only use on those occasions (Lenovo G50). It's a great laptop (Except the screen is horrid, IPS display you say? I call shenanigans on you Lenovo). If the G50 supported multiple external monitors, then I would just use it. So, long story short, I'm looking for recommendations. I was thinking W541, but I think that would be overkill for what I would use it for. I do play some games (Hearthstone, Heroes of the Storm, etc.) which while it would be nice if I could play casually on the laptop, isn't a must since I can use my desktop for that. Thoughts?

[RealBlackStuff]

Welcome to the Forum.
For your wishes, the best would be a T520 (max. 8GB RAM) or a W520 (max. 16GB RAM), with HD+ (1600x900) or FHD (1920x1080).
Both machines have a 15.6" screen.

T520 specs: https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/documents/pd015761
W520 specs: https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/documents/pd015362

Any newer models have a horrendously changed keyboard layout, although in 2016 a return to the 'old' layout is expected.

Any questions, just ask.

[BillMorrow]

again, welcome to the forum..

i moved this thread to a more appropriate place..

[bendwebdesign]

Thanks. I wasn't sure where to put it.

[Puppy]

Any newer models have a horrendously changed keyboard layout, although in 2016 a return to the 'old' layout is expected.

Other than by the Retro project ?

[Khipata]

W520, W520 and again W520
Get it and you will not regret, trust us
BTW, W520 supports 32 Gigs of RAM, I know, I have it in it. Try to get one with Quadro 2000M card.
Just my 2 cents