this post was submitted on 02 Aug 2024
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I'm looking to replace my tower PC with a mobile option (only strictly for work, no gaming or video editing).

And I've found an online shop that sells ThinkPads: they are selling this FHD (no HDR) i7-8650U, 16GB RAM, 512GB storage used laptop (X1 Gen 6) for 400 usd and I'm wondering if you guys would recommend it.

They offer a 3-month warranty.

They also have a 310usd i5-8350U, 8GB RAM, 256GB storage option, in case this sounds like a better deal (also used and no HDR); and a 345usd i5-8350U, 16GB RAM, 512GB one.

I've looked far and wide and it seems like all shops here sell these at the same price.

This is all in Vietnam and here I cannot use Amazon/eBay etc.

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[–] 1boiledpotato 10 points 4 months ago (1 children)

I've got the exact same model (with touchscreen) and absolutely love it!

Except I bought it 3 years ago for ~$300. I don't think it's worth $400 nowadays

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 months ago (1 children)

What can you recommend for about 400usd?

[–] 1boiledpotato 2 points 4 months ago

I'm not well versed in the laptop market, so I can't tell, but ThinkPads are never a bad choice. Try to find the best specs possible for the price. Maybe a newer gen of X1?

[–] [email protected] 7 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago) (1 children)

The X1 Carbon Gen 6 is from 2018. If it was used since then it doesn't worth anything at all without battery replacement, maxed out RAM and a large SSD, even then, maybe 150 dollars max. If it is old stock it might still need a battery replacement and then I'd totally not pay more than 250 dollars.

Edit: I just checked PSREF: You're limited to either 8 or 16 gigabytes of soldered RAM. You cannot upgrade or change it.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 months ago

Thanks for letting me know!

Any advice on what I can get for around 400usd then?

[–] [email protected] 6 points 4 months ago (1 children)

The Carbon X1 is great. Whether it's a good deal depends really on the price difference to a new one locally.

The i5 with 16GB + 512GB storage sounds alright as well. The other one not really, the price difference is too small. For 35 USD you can't double RAM and storage.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 months ago (2 children)

No new ThinkPads out here unfortunately.

There's another option: 14 inch T14 i7-10610U, 16GB RAM, 256GB storage for 400usd (also used, directly from the US). Would that be better than the Carbon?

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 months ago

I think this one is a better option if you're concerned about performance but either this or the i5 16GB are both good. The T14 will just weigh a bit more and be a little thicker but it's not much a difference unless you're carrying it around all the time.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 months ago

Also not bad, but really the low storage puts me a bit off. I guess really depends how storage intensive your office work is. Windows itself would probably take up 70-90 GB already.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Test the usbc charging on all ports. Test the battery. Good devices otherwise.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Appreciate the heads-up. Best way to do this ?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Install the Lenovo testing software, it should have a battery test.

Also the commercial vantage software to keep it updated and access some settings.

Plug the charger in to each port and confirm it charges.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 months ago

I can only ask the shop to show me the results as it's an online-only store.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 months ago

I can’t speak for your local market but this looks like about Β£100 north of the going rate in the UK.

Good machine though.

You are paying a premium for Carbon, you can get the same performance from T series - 480’i think.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 months ago (1 children)

If you want to run Linux I think there are better deals for $200 or less.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 months ago (1 children)
[–] [email protected] -2 points 4 months ago (1 children)
[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Can't use Western sites as I'm in Vietnam. But thanks!

[–] [email protected] -1 points 4 months ago

Look if you can grab a T480 or T480s there, if you want to run Linux I believe these are better and cheaper options.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago) (1 children)

I think it's an alright deal for the $345 one. More than Ebay prices but used Thinkpads are definitely worth it. I don't think it's worth going for the i7 for that much more if you're just doing office type work.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 months ago (2 children)

I teach online a lot (1on1) and I need it to handle recording my screen with OBS without stutters. Plus a good webcam. Does it still sound like a good option then?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 months ago (1 children)

I have one, and I have to say the webcam is not good at all. It's a fantastic machine though. The webcam and the speakers are terrible.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Well I guess I can use an external one.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 months ago

The laptop is excellent. I think that's a fair price. I use mine all day, every day. Years in now.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 months ago

I've used OBS on desktop PCs with a 7th gen CPU without noticeable issues for work. I can't say for certain but you should be fine with that laptop for your needs.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 months ago (1 children)

There's another option: 14 inch T14 i7-10610U, 16GB RAM, 256GB storage for 400usd (also used, directly from the US). Would that be better than the Carbon?

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 months ago (1 children)

The CPU certainly is much better.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Is it worth the increase in weight and bulkiness?

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Well that depends on you. But you didn’t specify how big and bulky the 10th gen system is.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 months ago

It's T14 Gen 1 vs X1 Gen 6