So again, the Lemmy verse is still really confusing and finding the right communities for the right post. This sub seems like they would definitely know about this though

I have always been a laptop guy my whole life because the portability, flexibility and comfortability of them. Never got into PCs or towers because I feel like you gotta have like a workstation and desk all setup. Id rather be able to lay on the couch in front of my TV while using a laptop lol

But anyway, my current dell xps 13 9310 running Debian 12 is slowly reaching its end. The thing only came with TWO ports, both being USB c. Well after years of heavy usage, they’re slowly breaking down. Idk if it would be worth replacing the mother board or just starting over?

Are there any good alternatives or options you guys can think of. I’m simple, in don’t game at all, purely just watch/stream stuff, browse and research and lately have been taking learning more about computing tech more seriously, so I’ve been tinkering and experimenting too. I plan to build skills to work with computer/tech professionally.

I’ve read about thin clients or even mini PCs and idk which route is best bang for buck and most logical. Or if there are known older laptops with great bones but need some minor upgrades to bring it back to current technology. I’m open minded but again, focused on something portable, affordable, smooth, flexible, durable etc. I’m talking a budget solution, like no more than $350ish. There’s probably technology available for this that I’m not even aware of!

Hope you all can help or point me to the right Lemmy communities. Thanks

  • JJGadget@lemmy.worldEnglish
    3·
    1 year ago

    i recently picked up one and love it. These thinkpads are also flooding ebay so some with great specs can be had for less than the $238 newegg is asking for. Just gotta look around.

    • Stapling9851@lemm.eeOPEnglish
      1·
      1 year ago

      Ya see, I have no clue which models to be looking for. Surely some are better than others or more sought out than others, so I don’t really even know which is which. Perhaps you do? Or did you just pick a random model that fit the specs you wanted?

      • JJGadget@lemmy.worldEnglish
        1·
        1 year ago

        I grabbed a T480s model with 256gb NVME and 24GB RAM. Also includes fingerprint reader, this one seems to be hit/miss so check pictures if its important to you. Paid $200 delivered. Been running PopOS no problem. Its been a great little laptop in the last 2-3 weeks that I have owned it.

          • JJGadget@lemmy.worldEnglish
            2·
            1 year ago

            it did. the $200 was for everything i received from the ebay seller. didnt do any additional updates or upgrades.

            • Stapling9851@lemm.eeOPEnglish
              1·
              1 year ago

              I can’t see the prior comments of our convo so sorry if I already asked. So if I go the thinkpad route, how the heck do I determine which models to look at? There’s probably a ton and I’m sure some are lawded as better than others, any tips on which models to look out for?

              • JJGadget@lemmy.worldEnglish
                2·
                1 year ago

                Tons of the T480 and T480s models are hitting eBay since they seem to be coming off corporate lease. The T480 seems to be a little better if you want to do things like RAM and storage upgrades but both seem like great machines to me. If you want to save a few more bucks, the T460 is also an option. All those Lenovo models are really well supported with Linux if you choose to go that route. Mine came with a copy of windows 11 pre installed, which I promptly removed.