Hey, Lemmy. I've recently broken my ten-year-old MacBook in a mishap involving some ionic cleaning fluids, and I am looking to replace it with a ThinkPad.
I am currently at uni, studying cybersecurity, and this particular course also has a lot of software development at the start. I also would be looking to play some videogames (nothing too taxing though; really just Minecraft, Terraria, Stardew Valley, etc.; assuming I don't go for FreeBSD instead of Linux), watch some videos, and do a bit of video editing.
The device being replaced was a mid-2014 MacBookPro11,1 A1502. Compared to my other hardware, though, this is a powerhouse.
I have already looked at a few models (namely the T450 and the X1 Carbon Gen. 10), but these have always had a snag or two that are a deal breaker.
Of course, I will be running either Linux, BSD, or some other *nix.
In terms of specs, I would be needing:
- At least 8GB of RAM (or upgradable to/past)
- A CPU equal or better than the i5 in the Mac
- At least 256GB of storage (SSD preferable, but not essential)
- 1400x900 resolution or higher
- WiFi drivers available for BSD
- Decent battery life
- Screen must be less than 17", or it won't fit in my bag
- Ideally no more than five years old; although an older ThinkPad could be doable
- Either AMD-based or made after 2018 (to prevent Meltdown attacks, should I decide to run Linux-libre or something else without microcode updates)
Unless a device is ridiculously expensive, the cost shouldn't be a problem. Also, I live in the UK.
So, any suggestions?
T14 gen 1 is pretty cheap these days. The T480 ends up costing the same or more as it because of the memes so unless you really desire 2 ram slots or dual batteries the T14 is better. If it comes with a 1366x768 screen then the nice 1080p screen costs almost nothing.
Note on the Tx80 line (as far as I know this problem is the same on the T480 as the T580), don't expect to use built-in nVidia graphics. They have terrible thermal throttling. In theory they could run Doom 2016. In reality they struggle with Quake 3.
But when you shut them off it's a fine laptop.
The dedicated GPU thinkpads are intended for running things like CAD software where the GPU is not under continuous load. They are not gaming laptops.
You really need an external GPU if you want to play games that were made in the last 20 years or so. The thunderbolt on the T480 is only connected with 2 PCIe lanes, so it doesn't work well with an eGPU unless you use an external monitor too.
I think I'll be going for the T14. Thank you!