[bristleworm]

While entertaining to read, I'm surprised the author didn't mention newer ThinkPads when explaining why modern laptops suck. If I'm happy with a 12 year old ThinkPad, the obvious first step when looking for a replacement would be to check out the current ThinkPads. And while I can't speak for the author, I for one love the current lineup.

[solatic]

The newer Thinkpads are garbage compared to the older ones. I own both an X200 and a T590.

* I wanted to install additional RAM in my T590, to bring it up to the 48 GB maximum. It is impossible to open this machine without a splitting lever/tool. I had to haul out to MicroCenter to pick up one of iFixit's tools just to take the bottom off.

* The USB-C port is a joke. Even with the USB-C firmware fixes, and even with the branded Thinkpad USB-C dock that was sold with the laptop, half the time the dock doesn't connect, connects but doesn't charge, charges but the Ethernet port doesn't work, it's completely unreliable and I can't believe it ever passed QA.

* The legendary hardware support for Thinkpads on Linux is basically gone. Neither the cellular modem, nor the fingerprint reader, nor the IR camera work in Linux and I'm quite cynical that I'll ever see them supported.

* The integrated graphics aren't strong enough to push multiple 4K screens, even for purely business/console purposes there is significant UI lag. Single-screen 4K on YouTube lags.

* The TrackPoint on the T590 is a pale imitation of the TrackPoint on the X200 and is practically unusable in comparison.

Not to mention the solid range of old features that have long been missing from the ThinkPad range - the old 7-row keyboards, the hardware LED status lights, the external swappable battery, the roll-cage that made the laptop feel like a tank.

It's not like there's anything better available on the market, though. It's just the lesser of evils. And yes I'm familiar with the X210 project and similar.

[jdsully]

Sounds like the P series is a better fit for you. Hot swappable batteries, easy access to RAM and disk storage bays, and plenty of power for everything you want to do.

I love mine to death, but it has that old school laptop weight and size.

[MartijnBraam]

The newer thinkpads I've seen kinda lost the "thinkpad magic", it's just a regular shitty laptop where they thought it should be thinner.

[beatgammit]

Yup. I wanted a T-series, but they had removed features I wanted (second battery, both RAM sticks replaceable), so I went with an E-series instead. I'm not going to pay a premium for a non-premium product.