zlacker

>>ekianj+(OP)
I have a slimbook pro (the model before the silver keyboard) and sadly I am very unhappy with it, I got a fairly maxed out version and it's fans are always on full blast and I have found no way to keep the power management under control except throttling the CPU - so it is constantly overheated, suspend is not working properly and the chassis is not strong enough so the fans stall unless you have it on a flat surface. Note that I have some lenovo computer from work which is configured in the exact same way and there are no overheating or suspend issues.

I also got a pinebook pro and I managed to use it a sum total of 12 times (and only on flat surfaces with the power plugged in because otherwise the screen would flicker like a strobe light) before the screen completely gave up and now it's an expensive paperweight.

Still I will keep buying these things.. eventually someone will figure out how to make reliable laptops that align with the ethos of free software. I've researched system76, puri.sm and also lately the way too expensive MNT reform, but really the only laptop people seem to be happy with is thinkpad x220 / x230 which came out 12 years ago.... This makes me sad.

I would pay a lot for a super sturdy laptop which works (and aligns with the free software ethos).

>>openfu+SB
I think the T series is great. I have a T460 (bought off ebay for $140). I had an extra SSD, some old ram sticks I stuck in there and it works great. The dock off of Amazon cost me approximately 20 bucks. The CPU maxes and never goes above 55 C (idles 37-40) and runs almost all my dev tasks as needed. The laptop is approximately the size of my 13" 2015 Macbook Pro (my wife currently has taken that one). I have two headless machines with GPUs if I want to game (via Parsec or Steam streaming) or use GPU for Python notebooks etc.

I've run Fedora and a custom Debian setup in the past (and currently am using Void Linux). Things mostly work with no real issues.

I think perhaps the mistake is paying premium with new and shiny things that haven't stood the test of time is the problem here? If you buy cheap (something that is a known quantity also), you're less likely to feel the b urn of walking away from the shiny / expensive new thing, right?

Note: I also have the X230 (bought off craigslist for ~$100, 2 years ago) and have given that to my dad who has used it happily for years now.

>>angyro+VL
A group (person) going by "51nb" out of Shenzhen, PRC, produces limited runs of motherboards that fit old ThinkPad chassis and accept modern processors. They also have access to NOS chassis and occasionally offer models such as the "X210," a completely unofficial X201 with a FHD IPS and current gen i7.

>>i_am_p+2V
That is really interesting. I have an ancient T61p from I think 2008 running Fedora, which works fine for basic stuff. I would love to upgrade it because it's built like the proverbial brick shithouse and has a great keyboard and a 4:3 display (which would also need to be updated). But it's probably impossible without more or less completely rebuilding the laptop.