I'm looking for an affordable used laptop to run Linux Mint and play lightweight games such as Minecraft. I found a ThinkPad T580 listed for about $225 CAD with an Intel Core i5, 12 GB of RAM, and a 256 GB drive. Is that a reasonable price for a dependable machine, or should I look at something else? I like ThinkPads, but I'm wondering whether their reputation is deserved. The storage is smaller than I'd normally prefer, although I'm planning to set up a NAS soon and could upgrade the laptop's drive later. I'm still checking which generation of i5 it has.
4 Answers
The T-series has a strong reputation for being sturdy and serviceable, but don’t assume every ThinkPad is identical. Older business models were often built very well, while lower-end consumer models can be less impressive. Also check the exact i5 model, since an older dual-core chip will perform very differently from a newer quad-core one.
The 256 GB drive isn’t a dealbreaker. You can replace or upgrade the storage later, and 12 GB of RAM is usable for Linux and everyday work. If the laptop supports it, moving to 16 GB of RAM would be a nice improvement, but I’d prioritize checking the battery, screen, keyboard, ports, and overall condition before buying.
ThinkPads are not automatically the best laptops, but they’re often a good fit for Linux because they’re well documented, easy to maintain, and commonly supported. For $225 CAD, a working T580 with a healthy battery and no major damage seems reasonable. Just don’t expect modern gaming performance from its integrated graphics.
That sounds like a fair price, especially if it’s in good condition. ThinkPads are popular because business models are generally durable, easy to repair, and have replacement parts available. The T-series is usually a much better choice than cheaper consumer models. Linux Mint should run well, and Minecraft should be fine for light play, though the exact processor and graphics hardware will determine performance.
It’s a T580, so it seems to be one of the business models. I’m asking the seller which year and exact processor it has.
Some T-series machines have had firmware and SSD problems, so it’s worth updating the firmware and checking the drive’s health. If the SSD is replaceable, that issue is usually manageable.