[kev009]

On the other hand resolution has gotten to be AMAZING with 4k so I almost don't care anymore. That might be eye sight dependent as I am able to use fairly minimal scaling.

I've had over the years ThinkPad 760, 600X (600 was one of the best laptop ever designed given the constraints in available tech, not sure anything can ever top it), T42, T61p, T420s and now P50 and it is a worthy family member as good as any of them. I /really/ wish they had a P4x that was 14" while retaining the xeon/ecc and 4k but that must be too niche.

I was sad when we lost 4:3 screens.. and was hoping the ThinkPad 25th Anniversary edition would have been delivered to David Hill's design intent.. just to have a real special piece of art if nothing else, but I don't think we'll ever see the industry go back.

[bringtheaction]

The P50 seems very nice. Does anyone know if Linux or FreeBSD would be able to make use of all its features so that it makes sense to buy it, or is it too new?

How about macOS? I currently run macOS on one of my ThinkPads (x220 Tablet). Would macOS be as simple to install on the P50 as it was on the x220 Tablet? [0] Would macOS be able to take advantage of the P50 hardware, including the 4K display?

What’s the battery life of P50 like with Windows? How is it with the operating systems I use, listed above — Linux, FreeBSD, macOS?

[0]: http://x220.mcdonnelltech.com/

[kev009]

I use FreeBSD on mine. iwm(4) handles wifi generally ok but not as well as Windows. You can set either intel or nvidia graphics in the BIOS, both work on FreeBSD with the same about tradeoffs as Linux using open source intel drivers (graphics/drm-next-kmod port on FreeBSD) or the FreeBSD nvidia blob driver.

[mamon]

4k is the worst thing that could happen: it is so heavily marketed and has 16:9 aspect ratio. It is only appealing to people who use computer mostly to watch videos (who, unfortunately are majority of PC users).

The rise of so called "Smart TVs" and tablets gives us a hope that people who are only interested in watching movies will finally stop buying computers at all, and once again professional users will be the main focus of laptop and computer monitor manufacturers :)

[IndrekR]

I am a long term multi-screen user (last 16 years or so), including portrait monitors for document reading (reminds me that some CRTs used to do funny things in portrait as their cooling was not made for this). I often have multiple datasheets, PCB layout, schematics and some code open at the same time. Lately I only use a single screen on the desk and think a good single 32" 4k monitor is quite close do ideal right now. With that resolution and screen space I really do not need any extra. Learning a few window manager keyboard shortcuts helps a lot as well. Just my personal experience, YMMV.

[PuffinBlue]

I agree. I mentioned it in another comment but you're right, 32 inch up to 40 inch is a good sweet spot with huge flexibility to do what you need.

You can basically use the central 3:2 section for most stuff unless you need to tile some windows wider, yet you still have huge vertical height to enjoy. It really is a great way to avoid multiple monitors, bezels and expense.

[PuffinBlue]

No, not really the worst thing. Especially for desktops its pretty great. Just buy one of sufficient size to comfortably use the central 3:2 portion, and you've got side left over for whatever else down the sides.

I use a 40inch 4k monitor. You don't even need scaling (i can still read it without glasses). You get massive vertical height and plenty of width to play with.

Just because it's not the perfect ratio doesnt mean you can't just buy a monitor of sufficient size to use a section of it to suit your needs. And when i want to put my feet up i still have a huge 4k movie screen.

It would be great if the choice was there to just buy a 3:2 but the sky is hardly falling down just because 4k got here.

[anfilt]

For the desktop market you are forgetting the gamers, unless they quit using desktops and laptops they prefer wider screens. So I don't see it going away especially when the manufactures can be lazy and use the same panels in multiple products.

Although I would be happy if your prediction turned out to be correct!