suggest a TP, 15"LCD, HDMI, and older...

[gychang]

am looking for a general desktop replacement, will install linux, screen >15", will plan to upgrade SSD, upto 4G RAM, HDMI, but CD not necessary. which model fit the requirement?
Like my X220 but eye sight is slowly failing...

[brchan]

I don't believe built-in HDMI was offered on any thinkpads or docking stations, only DP, mini-DP, and DVI (W700/W701 models only). You didn't specify whether you want new/used or the pricing. Since I assume you want something faster than your X220, there are some options:

If you need the classic keyboard:

-quad core T520 (cheapest) or W520
-quad core T530 or W530 (can be modified with classic keyboard and bios mod)

If you don't care for the classic keyboard:
-quad core T530 or W530
-W541

...And want new:
-P50 (most expensive)

These are all available with FHD screens, but since I suspect the dpi might be uncomfortable for you, 1600x900 screens are available only on T520/T530 and W520/W530 models. They look fine, but don't expect them to be much better than the HD screen in your X220, especially if you have the IPS display.

[TPFanatic]

SL500 is the first that comes to my mind. Although machines of the current Thinkpad xx60 lineup, I believe, finally has HDMI equipped.

The SL series (SL300, SL400, SL410, SL500, SL510) has an HDMI port. There's an Nvidia 9300M powered SL500 currently listed on the Feebay for $55 shipped OBO. SL500 and SL510 keyboards are 6 row and they lack Thinklight, many functions are activated by Fn combinations (eg. browser keys) but they have integrated numpad. Note that SL500 uses DDR2 memory and is 16:10, SL510 DDR3 and 16:9. They also have glossy screens but they should be replaceable...?

[brchan]

The SL series (SL300, SL400, SL410, SL500, SL510) has an HDMI port

Nice to know! Now that you mention it, I remember working as an IT intern at my high school and we had SL510(?) and Edge laptops. The quality seemed OK and I don't remember much chassis flex either, but the hinges didn't allow 180 degree angles. Edge models in comparison were terrible. The palmrests wore very quickly (even though they had a nice matte finish), there was lots of chassis and lid flex, and terrible 1366x768 screens

Anyway, I doubt you would want to go back to those old units. If you must have HDMI, then the P50 with IPS 1080p screen would do it. There is also the T560, but it has a very bad rating of 1.9/5 on Lenovo's own website.

[RealBlackStuff]

The first Lenovo X1 (NOT the Carbon) also has a full HDMI port.
(it only has a 13.3" screen)