T440 ssd upgrade, adding monitor, graphics

[nISTrYPoIs]

I have a T440 with a 128GB ssd and 8GB RAM. I use this for conference calls, giving university lectures and talks with a Wacom tablet plugged in and logitech webcam, for programming and machine learning in R, watching films, email, photo editing, etc. The laptop is starting to show some physical wear and tear, and the ssd is almost out of space.

I am considering a larger ssd and an external monitor and mechanical keyboard. The ssd is a Samsung mz7te128hmgr-000l1. What ssd is compatible for a replacement with at least 200GB capacity?

I think my current display is 1600 x 900. What do I look for in an external monitor? Is it possible to add a disrcete graphics card for improvement?

[RealBlackStuff]

I recommend the 2.5" Samsung 860 EVO, available in 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB and 4TB
Get the 500GB one, it's (a little) faster than the 250GB.
External monitors are available in any size and resolution you want.
Check around with friends or colleagues and have a look at their setups.
Personally I like Dell U2412M and U2415.
They are older 24" models with 1920x1200 resolution, but great picture quality.

You cannot replace the GPU in your T440, but you can get a so-called eGPU.
Not sure if the hassle and expense is worth it.
There is not much info available, but have a look here: https://www.reddit.com/r/thinkpad/comme ... _on_t440p/
It may be easier to upgrade to a newer laptop with e.g. AMD Ryzen Renoir, such as Lenovo X13.

[nISTrYPoIs]

I've decided to go with the Dell U2412M monitor and I changed to the Samsung 860 Evo ssd (excellent suggestion).

Can you suggest a keyboard and mouse and laptop stand? What about a mechanical keyboard?

[RealBlackStuff]

For a laptop my preferred (wireless) mouse is a Logitech M330 Silent Plus.
For my desktop I use an old (wired) Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0 plus a (wired) tenkeyless DREVO Tyrfing V2 keyboard.
Before that I had some Logitech keyboards.
Never used (or needed) a laptop stand.

[axur-delmeria]

If you have desk space, I suggest the Unicomp New Model M keyboard. https://www.pckeyboard.com/page/product/NEW_M