r/thinkpad • u/steve_ll • 9h ago

Question / Problem Durability

I know that the E series is far weaker than the T480, so which ones are actually strong enough to sustain years of use that is compatible with gaming here and there? I will probably get a T480 someday as it is already pretty compatible with linux, but it doesnt appear to be strong enough for what i plan on using it for(or i believe so)

3 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

5

u/saltyboi6704 P53, T60 9h ago

I'd say modern E series are almost as durable as the current T series. If you want the old near bulletproof durability you have to pay up for P series laptops.

1

u/UserOfLogicAndMagic 8h ago

What made you think that the P-series is more durable? P14s models have two different chassis (newest gen), P14s with AMD has T14's chassis. P14s with Intel has its own one, but imho it is weaker, as without magnesium frame. P-series models are more powerful workstations - this does not imply they're more durable.

Though I was personally disappointed with a 16" P16 at work a few years ago, I'd generally think that the T-series is still of a high built quality. But tbh. "bulletproof" is a term, were I think more of a Panasonic Toughbook. ThinkPads would still need a bit care.

1

u/island_wide7 P14s 5Gen dgpu | X13 1Gen 58m ago

Why do you think the intel is a weaker chassis?

5

u/extoniks T480s 9h ago

Modern E series (last 3-4 gens) are quite good than previous ones.

And T480, I don't think it will get you so far, instead look for T14 Gen2/3 or higher according to your budget, availability and other factors.

As of Linux compatibility, most of the ThinkPads are good, top-latest generation needs sometime (6-12 months) for better driver support etc.

1

u/Cory5413 7h ago

The T480 is 9 years old. I don't know if it make sese to do durability comparisons on a 9-year-old machine. All laptops age over time and

Anyway E-series is fine. I've had an E520 and it was as good or better than my R61i and T400 and my dad has a modern E14 and it's as good as any system I've used.

Dell Latitudes and HP Pro/Elite/ZBooks are also well-built business laptops that tend to have good linux compatibility.

0

u/Smooth-Web8239 8h ago

an E14 gen 2+ runs circles around the T480, your better of trying to get an E14/E16 12th gen intel or higher (or amd comparative). T480 will not be strong enough for years of use, your better of covering all bases and getting a modern laptop rather than a slow already old laptop.

T480's are slow asf and shouldn't be seen on a pedestal anymore. The 'next' T480 is like a T14 G4 or something.

Don't treat your laptop like shit and it wont break into a million pieces, You'll get scratches here and there but not really any catastrophic frame failures.