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112 points ferguess_k | 1 comments | | HN request time: 0s | source

I have been purchasing used/new Lenovo/Dell laptops for the last 7 years, and I have noticed that the build quality of recent models is concerning.

Lenovo: Ex-company gave me a NEW Carbon X1 around 2019, and the battery only lasted for less than a year (!). On the other side, I bought a used 2017 470S from the same company, added more RAM, didn't touch anything including the SSD, and I'm still using it in daily coding. I did buy a new battery last month so technically the old batteries lasted for about 7-8 years.

Dell: I bought 3 laptops + 1 desktop from Dell Refurbished (So the quality should be consistent). 2 laptops + 1 desktop are older models, and 1 is Precision 5550 (2021) that I bought last December. Everything works fine, except for the 5550, which has issues with battery (dropped from 31% to 4% in a few seconds) and (more deadly) charging port (doesn't charge from time to time). Even if I bought it new in 2021, I would be surprised that it only lasted for a bit over 4 years.

The other issue is that 5550 uses USB-C ports. I blame on myself not checking it closely before the purchase. I really hate those ports. Why is everyone copying from Mac?

What's my option? I can't really justify the 2,000+ CAD price point for a new laptop, especially if it lasts less than 5 years. I'd prefer a "low-end" workstation with 32GB memory, but because of the price point I can only afford a 16GB non-workstation one. I don't do gaming any more but I still prefer a good integrated video card. I can't afford Framework and other Linux laptops because they are expensive and usually don't operate in Canada so delivery is expensive too.

I did buy a used Macbook Pro M1 16GB (2021) from my current company last month. I haven't used it but I'm confident that the hardware is good. The problem is I don't really like the software, so I figured I still need a Linux box.

Did you find any sweet spot?

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ensocode ◴[] No.46131686[source]
Thinkpad X1 Carbon gen 13 here. Super happy with it. I do not see any flaws, decent battery lifetime. Perfect linux support. I am calculating 7+ years for that machine. I think its worth it. But there are many other less expensive Lenovo configurations. Not sure about the quality
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alexitosrv ◴[] No.46135471[source]
On battery life: what is decent for you? I wonder, because the T14S that many are vouching for here gives me around 1.5h which is not the best, but I probably will be in the market for an X1 next year, so I wonder what to expect.
replies(1): >>46144819 #
ensocode ◴[] No.46144819[source]
I get about 7 hours of coding
replies(1): >>46164318 #
1. alexitosrv ◴[] No.46164318[source]
that is near macbook levels!, good to know and seems promising. the thing with advertised battery duration they always overestimate, thank you!