I’m trying to downsize from an aging gaming laptop to an ultrabook I can use for writing, web browsing, and JavaScript / Python web development. I understand an ultrabook will be a downgrade in the performance department, but I don’t need all the performance my current laptop offers.

I’ve been looking at ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 8 machines and they seem like a good sweet spot of price to recent parts/repair-ability. Anybody have other suggestions for Linux ultrabooks? Needs to be <$400 USD.

PS. For more intense tasks, such as training language models, I plan on renting cloud compute as I don’t have the space for a deep learning machine at home.

edit: meant under $400, I am a dumbass

  • words_number@programming.dev
    6·
    3 years ago

    Not really an ultrabook, but the thinkpad T4xxS series is pretty great too and you would probably get stronger hardware for the same price than with an X1 carbon.

    Edir: The xx meaning other numbers of course. I’m using a T470s for many years and am still happy with it. I’ve got a more powerful desktop computer as well though.

    • kanzalibrary@lemmy.world
      3·
      3 years ago

      +1 with Thinkpad any S series. More portable and compact (thanks to the lightweight compensation than other series). Also thinkpoint is the main point of Thinkpad laptop that brings you joy to the fullest on this machine.

      • words_number@programming.dev
        2·
        3 years ago

        Citation needed. My T470s has dual battery, RAM is not soldered and it is easily servicable. I just upgraded the ssd not long ago. Also, I find the thickness difference significant enough. It’s just a bit easier to slide in and out of your backpack. And I also prefered the general haptics of the S when comparing them back then. The price difference for the same configuration was somewhere between 100-200€ back then and I decided it was worth it. Total price was 1500, it was on a discount though.

        Edit: Oh you probably meant that one of the batteries is swappable from the outside. That’s definitely a nice feature of the ones without S. Also, the 480 might be already thinner and feel better than the 470 without S did…

          • words_number@programming.dev
            1·
            3 years ago

            Ok, dual battery where one is swappable is actually really nice as I said. It’s possible that one ram slot in my 470s is also soldered… not sure. But honestly imo that shouldn’t affect the decision at all. 24 gigs of Ram is enough, even today. 32 might be nice to have but very rarely makes any difference. 64 or more makes sense if you do video editing or the like, but apart from that is overkill. It depends on what you want, but I’d never sacrifice a plus in portability for the option to upgrade ram beyond 32 gigs in a laptop.

  • jerd@lemmy.world
    1·
    3 years ago

    Back in my college days, I first used a T60 (not ultrabook) then moved to an x220 (nearing ultrabook). The X220 was perfect, removable battery, all day battery, good build quality, perfect for linux. I rocked mint with DWM for the 2nd half of my uni days.

  • jerry@lemmy.world
    1·
    3 years ago

    I got a used HP probook 635 g7 for $300, I like business HP models as much as ThinkPad, but I like the metal chassis more

  • nbailey@lemmy.ca
    1·
    3 years ago

    You could probably get a used x280 or x390 for that price. Both are great machines even 4 years later. Check local refurbishers for off-lease machines on the cheap.

  • arthurpizza@lemmy.world
    1·
    3 years ago

    I have had several Thinkpads. My current is the x1 6th gen and it’s wonderful. Dell Laditiues are good too.

  • lodronsi@beehaw.org
    0·
    3 years ago

    I recently picked up a Dell latitude 7300 for less than $300usd. It has two sodimm slots (supports 32gb) and up to 1TB SSD. I’m pretty happy with it although it’s a touch older than the x1 carbon gen8. The 7400 is slightly larger with a 14” display and is the same generation otherwise.

    I’m running Linux mint on it and haven’t tried your specific distro.

    • rotopenguin@infosec.pub
      2·
      3 years ago

      I just picked up one of those Latitudes too, and sent it back. I was not impressed with how dell “refurbished” it - it was chock full of dust and the display hinges were practically falling off. To top it off, the battery wouldn’t charge. Nobody spend 2 seconds looking over this dud before they shipped it to me.

  • nasa1531@sh.itjust.works
    0·
    3 years ago

    Well, while I presume you meant to say less than 400$, if you really did mean more then I would highly recommend getting a Framework laptop. They are amazing fully repairable and upgradable ultrabooks, and they have mostly excellent Linux support (you can even buy them without windows preinstalled!). I’ve had one for several months now and it’s been great.