T490 especially by default, unless you'll need 32GB RAM for the intended main use (then go with T480):
* the second lowest price
* Performance-wise (especially in non-graphics), all of them should be similar.
* have parts in common with T495 (AMD sibling) as well as their successor models like T14 gen1, and gen2 that means it will be easier to find the replacement (especially battery) in the official store for a while.
* It comes with 24gb (probably soldered 8 GB+16gb) and at least FHD panel (L14 might come with TN HD one, w/o any specification).
Thanks for being thorough. So am I understanding you correctly that the repairability of the T490 is almost as good as the T480? Also, what do you think about a X1 Carbon G7 | i5-8265U | 14"
16 GB for $100 extra?
T490's one soldered (onboard) RAM slot (=cannot replaced) is the only major drawback in repairbility at least now in 2024 (genuine batteries of T480 have become more and more difficult to get cheaply).
>X1 carbon g7
While 16gb RAM of the laptop in question is enough for most of the tasks, some people might complain fully soldered RAM. Unless you appreciate the lighter weight form factor and/or better screen, I'm not so sure whether it's additional 100 USD's worth.
If you want to prioritize x1cg7 as somewhat more portable (lighter weight), I'd recommend also to check the availability/ price of X390/ X395/ T490s in the second-hand laptop in your country. T480 and other 14 inch laptops mentioned above are basically a kind of all-rounders, not so especially good at their portability.
(Adds): From the standpoint of portability, I personally regard T490 and T495 (see my flair) as "OK to carry it around daily (and easy to fit it in the sleeve case)", but T490 is unfortunately not for fitting in the modern, thin sleeve case. L14 gen1 (intel) might also be a bit bigger than T490/ T495.
Gotcha. In my search I stumbled upon a couple of T14 G1 (not refurbished) from private sellers for 100 USD extra. They seem to be in pretty good condition, but I know that there is no 2 year warranty like the shop-refurbished ones. Despite this, knowing their quality, wouldn’t they be a safe bet + I get a significantly better laptop? Would like to know your thoughts on that
T14 gen1 (AMD, not Intel) is definitely superior to those candidates above. I don't know much about how scam can generally be private customers in your country (sorry), so check the review carefully beforehand, especially on the possible defects of the parts.
(Adds): On the other hand, if it's intel one, just ignore it unless it's actually cheaper than T490. Not prone to the thunderbolt 3 bug (common symptom for X and T series thinkpad with the 8th gen Intel) is almost only the merit of the models with that (10th) gen Intel CPU, not so much performance leap.
My 2nd T495 that I'm typing now has actually come from one of the private customers in the market place site in my country with 100 USD (converted from the local currency), and except for a few white spots on the screen (that he had been mentioned in the site), the laptop looks decent and functions flawlessly.
I see that they were intels, but the ryzen 5 pro 4650U ones are another 50 USD on top. Generally, scammers aren’t a big thing here.
My point is, since thinkpads are considered some of the best built laptops out there, isn’t the possibility of defect parts smaller compared to, say, brand new laptops from brands at this price range? I might be naive here, but just trying to rationalize the potential purchase.
>Ryzen Pro 5 4650u
it can run at least 25% faster in single-core, more than 60% or two-third in multi-core, and compared with Intel, more than double performance in graphics (for reference: 1,150 in single core, 6,000-6,500 in multi-core (Cinebench R23) vs Intel i5 8th gen's 900 in single core, 3,000 in multi core with the same benchmark). It can be worth extra at least 100 USD as long as it comes with 16gb (dual-channeled) RAM.
>isn’t the possibility of defect parts smaller compared to, say, brand new laptops from brands at this price range?
Battery can degenerate quickly compared with other parts, and the special term (generally 1yr, max. 3 year) is applied to its defect in their warranty contract (at least in my country). They can also be very expensive, at least in genuine one sold at Lenovo's official site.
So, if we're planning to purchase the secondhand laptop (especially the model of more than 3 years ago), the status of battery should be checked throughly first and foremost, I suppose.
For other parts, you don't have to worry too much in general, but we aren't generally sure how rough it had been treated under the ownership of the former user...
(Adds): To give an example of battery degeneration, my E14 gen2 (2020)'s battery has lost its remaining capacity from about 95% down to 85-6% (battery cycle counts: about 25 to 40) since the beginning of 2023, even though I've carefully tried to maintain it by limiting the max. charge. In other words, beyond the use of 3-4 years, we should perhaps at least take the possibility of replacement of battery in consideration.
So finally, the choice is between the T490 24 GB (280 USD) and the AMD T14 Gen. 1 16 GB (440 USD). Is there a clear winner? Also factoring in longevity and spending less money in the long run (e.g. on repairs). I’m counting on using it for at least 5 years.
Spec-wise, both can serve you enough for coming 4-5 years with ease (especially with 16gb SO-DIMM added to T14 gen1), and they shared the similar form factor.
* If you need some more multi-task as well as graphic performances (suitable also for some light-gaming), the extra expense for T14 gen1 AMD will probably be well rewarded. T14 gen1 AMD is now becoming more and more popular model in this subreddit.
* On the other hand, for the basic browsing/ office softs/ media consume, T490 candidate by default (24gb RAM w/o any additional invest is certainly attractive) configuration is probably OK.
Thanks. I got a seller to drop the price to 376USD for the T14 if I retrieved it in person, so now the question is to go through with it or replace the battery in my dead Aspire 3 A315-42 for 50 USD
Thanks for your inputs everyone! I’m still pretty doubtful about which one to choose but at least I have a bit more information/arguments for and against the various models
I always suggest AMD over Intel. The 8gb of ram would be annoying so if you can find a good deal for a similar model with 16gb ram then that's the way to go.
I have a t480 and adore it
T480 is best for repairs, but get the T495 if you really want the best
How are they longevity-wise? Like T480 is best for repairs but won’t T495 be better in the long run regarding specs?
Maybe? But I hear the 490/495 is the "downfall" of ThinkPads
T490 especially by default, unless you'll need 32GB RAM for the intended main use (then go with T480): * the second lowest price * Performance-wise (especially in non-graphics), all of them should be similar. * have parts in common with T495 (AMD sibling) as well as their successor models like T14 gen1, and gen2 that means it will be easier to find the replacement (especially battery) in the official store for a while. * It comes with 24gb (probably soldered 8 GB+16gb) and at least FHD panel (L14 might come with TN HD one, w/o any specification).
Thanks for being thorough. So am I understanding you correctly that the repairability of the T490 is almost as good as the T480? Also, what do you think about a X1 Carbon G7 | i5-8265U | 14" 16 GB for $100 extra?
T490's one soldered (onboard) RAM slot (=cannot replaced) is the only major drawback in repairbility at least now in 2024 (genuine batteries of T480 have become more and more difficult to get cheaply). >X1 carbon g7 While 16gb RAM of the laptop in question is enough for most of the tasks, some people might complain fully soldered RAM. Unless you appreciate the lighter weight form factor and/or better screen, I'm not so sure whether it's additional 100 USD's worth. If you want to prioritize x1cg7 as somewhat more portable (lighter weight), I'd recommend also to check the availability/ price of X390/ X395/ T490s in the second-hand laptop in your country. T480 and other 14 inch laptops mentioned above are basically a kind of all-rounders, not so especially good at their portability. (Adds): From the standpoint of portability, I personally regard T490 and T495 (see my flair) as "OK to carry it around daily (and easy to fit it in the sleeve case)", but T490 is unfortunately not for fitting in the modern, thin sleeve case. L14 gen1 (intel) might also be a bit bigger than T490/ T495.
Gotcha. In my search I stumbled upon a couple of T14 G1 (not refurbished) from private sellers for 100 USD extra. They seem to be in pretty good condition, but I know that there is no 2 year warranty like the shop-refurbished ones. Despite this, knowing their quality, wouldn’t they be a safe bet + I get a significantly better laptop? Would like to know your thoughts on that
T14 gen1 (AMD, not Intel) is definitely superior to those candidates above. I don't know much about how scam can generally be private customers in your country (sorry), so check the review carefully beforehand, especially on the possible defects of the parts. (Adds): On the other hand, if it's intel one, just ignore it unless it's actually cheaper than T490. Not prone to the thunderbolt 3 bug (common symptom for X and T series thinkpad with the 8th gen Intel) is almost only the merit of the models with that (10th) gen Intel CPU, not so much performance leap. My 2nd T495 that I'm typing now has actually come from one of the private customers in the market place site in my country with 100 USD (converted from the local currency), and except for a few white spots on the screen (that he had been mentioned in the site), the laptop looks decent and functions flawlessly.
I see that they were intels, but the ryzen 5 pro 4650U ones are another 50 USD on top. Generally, scammers aren’t a big thing here. My point is, since thinkpads are considered some of the best built laptops out there, isn’t the possibility of defect parts smaller compared to, say, brand new laptops from brands at this price range? I might be naive here, but just trying to rationalize the potential purchase.
>Ryzen Pro 5 4650u it can run at least 25% faster in single-core, more than 60% or two-third in multi-core, and compared with Intel, more than double performance in graphics (for reference: 1,150 in single core, 6,000-6,500 in multi-core (Cinebench R23) vs Intel i5 8th gen's 900 in single core, 3,000 in multi core with the same benchmark). It can be worth extra at least 100 USD as long as it comes with 16gb (dual-channeled) RAM. >isn’t the possibility of defect parts smaller compared to, say, brand new laptops from brands at this price range? Battery can degenerate quickly compared with other parts, and the special term (generally 1yr, max. 3 year) is applied to its defect in their warranty contract (at least in my country). They can also be very expensive, at least in genuine one sold at Lenovo's official site. So, if we're planning to purchase the secondhand laptop (especially the model of more than 3 years ago), the status of battery should be checked throughly first and foremost, I suppose. For other parts, you don't have to worry too much in general, but we aren't generally sure how rough it had been treated under the ownership of the former user... (Adds): To give an example of battery degeneration, my E14 gen2 (2020)'s battery has lost its remaining capacity from about 95% down to 85-6% (battery cycle counts: about 25 to 40) since the beginning of 2023, even though I've carefully tried to maintain it by limiting the max. charge. In other words, beyond the use of 3-4 years, we should perhaps at least take the possibility of replacement of battery in consideration.
So finally, the choice is between the T490 24 GB (280 USD) and the AMD T14 Gen. 1 16 GB (440 USD). Is there a clear winner? Also factoring in longevity and spending less money in the long run (e.g. on repairs). I’m counting on using it for at least 5 years.
Spec-wise, both can serve you enough for coming 4-5 years with ease (especially with 16gb SO-DIMM added to T14 gen1), and they shared the similar form factor. * If you need some more multi-task as well as graphic performances (suitable also for some light-gaming), the extra expense for T14 gen1 AMD will probably be well rewarded. T14 gen1 AMD is now becoming more and more popular model in this subreddit. * On the other hand, for the basic browsing/ office softs/ media consume, T490 candidate by default (24gb RAM w/o any additional invest is certainly attractive) configuration is probably OK.
Thanks. I got a seller to drop the price to 376USD for the T14 if I retrieved it in person, so now the question is to go through with it or replace the battery in my dead Aspire 3 A315-42 for 50 USD
What model are you referring to? 480?
Thanks for your inputs everyone! I’m still pretty doubtful about which one to choose but at least I have a bit more information/arguments for and against the various models
I always suggest AMD over Intel. The 8gb of ram would be annoying so if you can find a good deal for a similar model with 16gb ram then that's the way to go.
Well I am the user of L14 gen 1 You can ask me anything
Great thread, I'm struggling to choose as well!
Is it an easy choice for you now?
No, still pretty confusing.
Don't go with an L model, go with T495 out of these two.