Ugh, gotta settle on a new official corporate laptop model for my staff.
List of requirements:
- Clamshell form factor
- Windows 11 Pro (because software requirements and domain connection)
- Wi-Fi
- Dockable
- Ethernet (via dock optional)
- Can drive two 1080p monitors when docked
- 16 GB RAM
- 250+ GB SSD
- 13 to 14 inch screen
List of exclusions:
- No ARM processor (because compatibility with legacy software)
- No Dell (because BDS)
List of preferences
- No Intel (because BDS)
- No AI shit
- No HP (burned too many times, also BDS)
- No Microsoft hardware (poor QC)
Looking in general direction of the Lenovo Thinkbook models, maybe the Thinkpad but those are pretty heavy to lug around.
Any other ideas?
Edit: Will start looking at the Thinkbook T14(s) and Framework 13 laptops, thanks for the thumbs up, then if those aren’t suitable there are some other suggestions I’ve received, so I have plenty of options. Feedback has been greatly appreciated!
Dr Ms Kat
in reply to Deborah Pickett • •A Silly IEC 61850 :honk:
in reply to Deborah Pickett • • •Fix Consumer Electronics
FrameworkDeborah Pickett
in reply to A Silly IEC 61850 :honk: • • •A Silly IEC 61850 :honk:
in reply to Deborah Pickett • • •Gabriel Viso :zxspectrum:
in reply to Deborah Pickett • • •Deborah Pickett
in reply to Gabriel Viso :zxspectrum: • • •Gabriel Viso :zxspectrum:
in reply to Deborah Pickett • • •@ThermiteBeGiants the hint is the "S" in the series, as they stand for "slim" and they are the so-called "ultranotebooks" (or something like that).
I think the "ultra-" is still pretentious but they pack the best keyboard in the universe in a pretty light package. And while it feels plasticky is still sturdy --it doesn't flex as much as one would think.
AlgoCompSynth by znmeb
in reply to Deborah Pickett • • •Deborah Pickett
in reply to AlgoCompSynth by znmeb • • •Jenny753
in reply to Deborah Pickett • • •Deborah Pickett
in reply to Jenny753 • • •Linda Woodrow
in reply to Deborah Pickett • • •David de Groot
in reply to Deborah Pickett • • •neoluddite
in reply to Deborah Pickett • • •Jason Lefkowitz
in reply to Deborah Pickett • • •Lenovo's officially designated ultralight ThinkPad (the X1 Carbon) is Intel-only, but the T14 and T14s models are similarly spec-ed, available with AMD processors, and only slightly heavier. The T14 has built-in Ethernet; the T14s is a smidge lighter, but you have to dock it to get an Ethernet port.
lenovo.com/us/en/p/laptops/thi…
Mike [SEC=OFFICIAL]
in reply to Jason Lefkowitz • • •we use the T14s extensively in my company APAC-wide, and the Gen4 is holding up very well so far in terms of unexpected warranty returns and stability.
EDIT: If you'd like to hold a T14s gen 4 in your hand and see how it feels this can be very easily arranged.
noodle
in reply to Deborah Pickett • • •Re: Lenovo. I'm very happy with my Lenovo Yoga slim 6 ( the 7 series has AMD options). Got it about 50% off as a preorder. Can't recall if there was a quantity limit. Works fine driving a second screen over USB including power. Talks to my Pine64 dock/dongle without issue.
Only downside is the firmware assumes you're running Windows (this is an oversimplification).
Although on looking again, they seem to be pushing AI things.
alex helvetica
in reply to Deborah Pickett • • •A Silly IEC 61850 :honk:
in reply to alex helvetica • • •alex helvetica
in reply to A Silly IEC 61850 :honk: • • •@ThermiteBeGiants ah! Searching BDS, that popped up, but I could only find boycott campaigns for HP, not Intel or Dell so was second guessing that.
Since you've confirmed that, I have found they have boycott campaigns for Intel and Dell too, but they aren't as easily found on their websites as HP
Deborah Pickett
in reply to alex helvetica • • •Andre
in reply to Deborah Pickett • • •Deborah Pickett
in reply to Andre • • •Fraser
in reply to Deborah Pickett • • •Deborah Pickett
in reply to Fraser • • •Marcus The Board Gamer
in reply to Deborah Pickett • • •I can’t believe its not @twcau
in reply to Deborah Pickett • • •Concur on Lenovo T14. Have used Lenovo for decades across orgs of all sizes, demands, and usage profiles.
I currently use the T14 as the mainstay in our fleet at a mid-tier NGO here in Perth; and they (and their predecessor models) stand up to a lot of punishment.
Also was involved in a Lenovo SOE for a Major Uni, and learning from their Engineers just how much severe intentional product abuse goes into their design and iteration process.
Deborah Pickett
in reply to Deborah Pickett • • •Dorothea Salo
in reply to Deborah Pickett • • •Deborah Pickett
in reply to Deborah Pickett • • •First impressions of the #Framework 13 laptop:
Summary: yes, this is good.
Got a preconfigured model, with AMD Ryzen 7840 and Windows 11 Pro so it can connect to our Active Directory domain. The only assembly was to insert the four expansion cards in the positions I wanted them.
LCD is crisp and bright, no complaints. Hinge is stiff and there's a bit of wobble if you tap the screen.
There's a physical switch to detach the webcam internally, ditto the microphone. Probably not a feature I'll use but it's nice they thought of it.
Keyboard has decent travel, no issues.
Trackpad is all right, not quite as nice as my MacBook, but it'll do.
It's fatter than my colleague's MacBook Air, but about as light.
The fan is pretty quiet and I struggled to make it even need to work.
It wasn't cheap. Hoping to offset this by not needing to replace entire laptops at once if something breaks.
#FrameworkLaptop
neoluddite
in reply to Deborah Pickett • • •Christopher Owen
in reply to Deborah Pickett • • •Marcus The Board Gamer
in reply to Deborah Pickett • • •Deborah Pickett
in reply to Marcus The Board Gamer • • •Marcus The Board Gamer
in reply to Deborah Pickett • • •Oh yeah. I too respect their stance, it’s refreshing to see (and the exact opposite of Apple’s anti-repair nature)
My Intel Macs are hanging on. Maybe I will go Franework and Linux when the time comes.
Marcus The Board Gamer
in reply to Deborah Pickett • • •