By “modern” I mean every model made after the T480 and T580 (which is what I have!). The reason why I’m asking is because I’m thinking about buying a laptop for my younger brother for his birthday in a couple of months. The idea is that he’ll use it for school work and browsing. He’ll be entering high school soon so I want to buy him a laptop that last him a good while. I feel the newer models suit this criteria a bit better since I don’t expect to tinker around with it though I do intend to introduce him to Linux with it.

From what I’ve observed is that the newer Thinkpads are still well regarded from a general consumer perspective but disregarded by enthusiasts. What do you guys think of the newer models?

  • chickenf622@sh.itjust.works
    10·
    19 days ago

    I’m currently on a ThinkPad right now as I type this. I would say overall they’re fine. Lenovo tends to not fuck with them since they are the business model, and companies will drop them if they try any shit. I’ve also noticed that the laptop is pretty easy to repair, and sources spare parts for. I’ve replaced the screen on various models like 3 times, the keyboard once or twice, and the battery once. Really I just love the track point and it’s hard to find laptops that have that feature. I’ve been running Linux on my current machine for years with no issues specific to my laptop.

    • bus_factor@lemmy.world
      5·
      19 days ago

      I just replaced the keyboard on a T490s. It took about 90 screws and removal if the motherboard, but went fine. Other models are a lot easier, but this one has the keyboard below the top cover. I replaced it with a $40 off-brand keyboard which seems surprisingly okay, but if I knew about all the screws I probably would have bought a whole top cover like Lenovo wants you to. Don’t think this would have been feasible on most other brands.