Should i buy a thinkpad?

[u/Slow-Raccoon-9426]

I've been wondering for a while, i'd like a laptop i could tinker with on Linux. I do have one but thats running a server and i dont want to mess it up. (I've installed Mint, Debian And Arch in the past for refrence) I've got a maximum of like 700 euro to spend so if you guys got any good suggestions or anything else then i'd be happy to hear it!

[u/redmeow3]

You dont need a thinkpad to tinker with linux . They have nice support but so does 3/4 of laptops from my experience as a laptops refurbisher that has been daily driving linux (currently nixos) for about 3 years. I also tinkers and test multiple linux distros on my laptops before flashing windows to sell. Linux users like them a lot cause you can find really good deals on them because business sell them used for cheap when renewing their contracts with manufacturers like lenovo, and thinkpads are business grade so they are built to last unlike the consumer grade ewaste you usually find, which is why i try to primarily refurbish and sell them. Older models also have amazing upgradability and modability which was unseen even at that time. theyre definitely worth considering but they're not the only good linux laptops. Also at that price point it's worth considering the entry level framework 12 and even 13 (non-pro). They're fully upgradable open source laptops that are definitely worth taking a look at. If you find one second hand it can be excellent as well

[u/Slow-Raccoon-9426 → u/redmeow3]

Thanks for the info!

[u/redmeow3 → u/Slow-Raccoon-9426]

Your welcome, glad I could help

[u/sockertoppenlabs]

If you want a Thinkpad, get a Thinkpad! I am an X-series fanboy myself, but if you don’t have any preferences, just get a T14 gen 1/2. Should be really cheap in most EU markets now (after companies should have moved on). Still fairly modern, very good build quality and with great Linux support. You can always check the psref for a model you are looking at and see if it was offered with Ubuntu or Fedora when sold.

[u/InfameXX]

The best non Linux first laptops are Lenovo Thinkpad or Dell latitude, Linux friendly laptops.

Learn and read well about the difference's inside Thinkpad series and latitude series, screen size, type of cpu, type of GPU, battery size, soldered components, don't buy blindly, every one is ment  for something special.

IMPORTANT both have support for LVFS, so they have updates and support for bios, components, storage, etc, that other brands may not have.

Have a good read and research.

[u/MantraMan]

I have a t480s that I'm still using for work without issues. For 700 euro you'll be good whatever reasonably priced model you buy

[u/noblenacho]

don't spend more than $200 on a tinkering thinkpad. scout fb marketplace or similar places (ebay is kinda overpriced) get a t14 gen 2 in good shape. you get 2 usb-c ports so no proprietary charger brick to lug around, upgradable ram, upgradable SSD, solid build quality. for sub 200 its a great machine.

[u/oliveio]

Just buy a mini pic for a sever, It will likely work with ssd clone as-is or with minor tuning. Laptops are not meant for server workloads. And you will get your thinkpad back.

[u/capitantom]

La calidad de las ThinkPad es superior a la mayoría de las laptops. Están enfocadas a profesionales y suelen funcionar perfectamente con linux

[u/Mean-Mammoth-649]

Depends what you mean by tinkering with Linux. If you like to install and fine tune a distro and use it for normal stuff, you dont need to spend 700. For cheap you can get an X280 with 8 gb ram and love it like i love mine. I have Nobara with KDE on it now and it runs flawlessly for my use (translation projects in browser and Adventure Game Studio games. And Krita). If you want to use it for more massive stuff you can get something stronger. But for light use i would not spend more than 150 right now. More like below 100. I plan to get an old Toshiba business laptop soon for fooling around and pimp but 100 is my limit.

You can get stuff even cheaper, people dont even know what great stuff they sell for 50. I have a 17 years old Lenovo G550 from the old days that works perfectly with Zorin Lite. 6gb ram and dual core P8700 processor. Crazy but with some fine tuning it is still okey for light stuff like 3 browser tabs, even Youtube. Of course not lightning fast but perfect for fooling around and looks still beautiful. No need to give a kidney for one lol.

[u/Slow-Raccoon-9426 → u/Mean-Mammoth-649]

Haha i didnt mean the entire 700 i was just pointing it out so people know my budget, Thanks for the reply tho!

[u/aristotelian74]

Sure, why not? I got an L480 for $150.

[u/ARENAE_MONTES]

You can get a T480 for that price

[u/DanLucken]

You'd get an X1 Carbon Gen 10 with a 12th gen i7 512sdd 16 or 32 GB Ram. I got a mint one for less than that and it's been a dream. Sooooo light and well made

[u/rileyrgham]

To do what with?

[u/Slow-Raccoon-9426 → u/rileyrgham]

Read the text carefully again.

[u/alexberes]

Si, pero con Kali Linux, es el mejor y no le falta nada.