I am debating between a T450s, T470, and T480 for my first Thinkpad, help me decide!
Hey SR -
I want a cheap old Thinkpad for writing. I would go even older but I want Windows 10 for Dragon dictation and my favorite writing app Scrivener. This is not my main computer.
I also have several old games I'd like to play to, Portal, Age of empires 2 definitive addition and Stardew Valley. I'd aim for Age of Empires 4, but I don't think anything I listed (maybe the T480?) could play that. The other games I care about, AOE 4 would just be a nice cherry on top.
So reasons I like these three models.
**T450s**. Pro: Last thin year with external battery to easily swap out. Very cheap. Easy to work on more or less.
Con, can have the worst screen, oldest, keyboard isn't as easy to fix.
**T470**. Newer, external battery, still very cheap, newer, last year with the old charging port that's easy to fix. Has an option for a 1440P screen.
Con, old chipset that's weaker than the T480 and... is that it? It may be the sweet spot from what I can tell.
**T480**. Last external battery year, sub loves it, has the option for a good screen, charges via USBC which is cool. Easier to replace the keyboard. Newest chip.
Con, can have a huge issue that needs a firmware update right? Also, one review mentioned the USBC charging can fail easily, and it's not an easy part to fix (Because it's attached to the motherboard instead of being an easy part to swap out). Also the most expensive.
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Lastly, I think of this computer as a creative/fun tool that could last me years if I could keep buying parts eventually switch over to Linux if I needed to. I would never do more than what I've listened (writing, those sort of light old games). Sort of like a modern day type writer.