[GTALUG] Thinkpad choices today?

[Scott Sullivan]

On 11/16/2014 08:53 AM, Michael Hill wrote:
> Scott, my x120e started to overheat about a year ago (3.5 years old).

Yes, a friend of mine (on this list) and myself both ran into that. It's 
apparently a known issue where the thermal compound they used dried out 
over time. We both ended up redoing the paste.

Thread on the issue
http://forum.notebookreview.com/thinkpad-edge-x1-x100e-x120e-sl-l/631365-x120e-thermal-compound-replacement-great-justice.html

Hardware Service Manual:
http://download.lenovo.com/ibmdl/pub/pc/pccbbs/mobiles_pdf/63y0640_02.pdf

> I went to Canada Computers to try the keyboard on something new in the
> $500 range (E series?) and walked out with a floor model 2010 SL410
> for $200. I replaced the 2G RAM with the maximum 8 and the only thing
> it lacks is the newer keyboard. It doesn't see much strenuous activity
> other than running virtual machines in Boxes (my 2005 G41 doesn't have
> hardware virtualization, and also overheats) and occasionally building
> the GNOME stack, and it's been terrific.

The thing that is eating me about this, the 5th gen of core processors 
are looking to bring major improvements for laptops. I was hoping to put 
off a new laptop 6-12 months for those to roll out. Buy then, and ride 
that hardware for another 4 years.

Ultimately I've decided to order an x140e. It's not expensive, it uses 
the same chargers, fits in the same bag I own, I'm getting mildly 
upgraded specs across the board with the exception of screen res. It's 
not a step backwards. And it will have re-sale value in 6-12 months if 
what I do want comes to market.

-- 
Scott Sullivan