Help me pick a new laptop.....

[rustyh3]

I am interested in opinions on my next Thinkpad. I have been using the T series for some time.

I am a long term user of Thinkpads and am probably ready for the next one.

Most recent laptops are T42p and T520.
Both have upgraded screens and video. I use docking stations at each work place to simplify connections to networks, scanners, printers, external keyboards and mice and monitors. I move my laptop daily from office to home and into meetings for use with projectors and external monitors.

I am not worried too much about travel weight. 3 lb range is plenty light.

Keyboard feel is important as I am a horrible typist. I am not such a big fan of the wide keyboard with the keypad as I use external keyboards in the office.
Battery life should be reasonable but does not have to be more than 4 to 5 hours.
Ability for multiple monitors is critical.
Docking station is important.

I work with big spreadsheets and data structures as well as word processing documents.
Some video editing or image manipulation on a very basic level.

Touch screen is a plus but not necessary.

I would offer a starting budget of $1000 to $1500.

Any suggestions as to a recommended model are welcome and I appreciate your consideration.
Thanks,
Rusty

[TonyJZX]

Not sure if this is the right section... ie. this subsection in theory ends at the 420/520 and you already have it.

IMO the star of the show for me is the 420s given its compact nature, full performance cpu and usb3 but this is irrelevant to you.

I think you're in a strange situation too as you tend to not care about screen kbd etc as you like ext. kbd lcd etc.

[ji2o0k]

Not sure if this is the right section... ie. this subsection in theory ends at the 420/520 and you already have it.

IMO the star of the show for me is the 420s given its compact nature, full performance cpu and usb3 but this is irrelevant to you.

I think you're in a strange situation too as you tend to not care about screen kbd etc as you like ext. kbd lcd etc.

+2 - I'm with TonyJZX - my personal fave is the T420s due to the form factor, USB3 and the keyboard (non-chiclet)....

Though I do like the T430s for the newer components (i.e. CPU etc)....but I don't like the keyboard. Even after doing the keyboard mod on the T430s to use the T420s keyboard, I still like the T420s with it's usable 7th row of keys...

Gave the T430s to my wifey - both have the IPS screen mod....

[TonyJZX]

I find this is a conundrum for many of us who live in the Lenovo world that ends with the 420/520 and maybe the 430 modded.

If you're after a truly modern monster like a 6 or 7 series then you have few options if you're that picky.

I personally havent seen any modern units that truly knock my socks off.

I think the last unit I quite liked was the Dell e7440, 8gb 240gb msata, fhd - would love to see something that impresses me.

[ZaZ]

You'd help your cause if you said what you were looking to spend, which will have a large effect on what you can get.

[rustyh3]

You'd help your cause if you said what you were looking to spend, which will have a large effect on what you can get.

Great question. I will update the original post.

My budget is up to $1500. Maybe more, depending on how far my socks are knocked off.

I have gotten extended use out of the last 2 Thinkpads I purchased putting their cost per year in the $200 to $300 range if memory serves me well.

Thanks,
Rusty

[ZaZ]

I would say if you want something light and has the ability to use a traditional docking station, the T460s would make a good choice.

[dr_st]

Though I do like the T430s for the newer components (i.e. CPU etc)....but I don't like the keyboard. Even after doing the keyboard mod on the T430s to use the T420s keyboard, I still like the T420s with it's usable 7th row of keys...

The EC patch mod that was released last year makes all keys in the *20 keyboard usable on a *30 laptop, except a few specific Fn combinations (Fn+F3, Fn+F12, maybe Fn+Space).

[jaspen-meyer]

What do you want which your T520 does not provide?

[ji2o0k]

Though I do like the T430s for the newer components (i.e. CPU etc)....but I don't like the keyboard. Even after doing the keyboard mod on the T430s to use the T420s keyboard, I still like the T420s with it's usable 7th row of keys...

The EC patch mod that was released last year makes all keys in the *20 keyboard usable on a *30 laptop, except a few specific Fn combinations (Fn+F3, Fn+F12, maybe Fn+Space).

oh wow! Thanks for the heads-up, I was reading up on the EC mod probably more than a year ago but it didn't seem final - but looks like great progress has been made....time to read up!

wowzers.....I might have to swap the T430s that my wife is using with my T420s.....just so I can use the T430s with keyboard mod....lol!

[RealBlackStuff]

Careful!
If you put a T430(s) keyboard on a T420(s) you'll get a number of things no longer working.