I found a refurbished ThinkPad T480 online for about RM850 (around $200) plus a shipping fee of RM50 (~$10). Here are the specs:
- Intel i5-8350U @ 1.70GHz
- 8GB RAM
- 256GB SSD
- 14" FHD Non-Touchscreen
This will be my first ThinkPad purchase, and I'm planning to use it for learning Linux. Is this a good deal considering the specs?
4 Answers
Honestly, the deal isn’t amazing. The i5 processor is a bit dated, and 8GB of RAM plus a 256GB SSD feels cramped nowadays. You might find yourself needing more RAM and storage sooner rather than later. I’ve got an older i5 running Linux myself, but I upgraded my RAM to 16GB and added two SSDs for more space. It can run Linux, so it should work alright, but keep in mind you'll likely want upgrades.
The T480 is a pretty solid machine! Upgrading the RAM is easy, and it works well with Linux. I’m currently using mine with Qubes OS, and it runs smoothly. Even though the specs are standard, they’re sufficient for general office work, browsing, and light programming. Just make sure you get the original charger and check the battery life, as it has both an internal and external battery!
It’s decent! Personally, I'd throw MX Linux on it and be quite satisfied. For that price, if it fits your needs, go for it!
Yeah, the T480 has great compatibility with Linux, which is a huge plus. Most distributions like Ubuntu or Mint work without issues. Just keep an eye on battery health and look for any signs of damage before buying. Also, check the BIOS settings; sometimes they're locked, which can complicate things for Linux installation.
Good point about the BIOS! If it's password-protected and the seller can't access it, that's a red flag. Definitely something to make sure of before you buy.
Totally agree, it should handle basic tasks fine. If you're after a ThinkPad for everyday use and don't mind a light upgrade later, it could still be worth it. But yeah, maybe a bit pricey at $200.