Hey, Lemmy. I’ve recently broken my ten-year-old MacBook in a mishap involving some ionic cleaning fluids, and I am looking to replace it with a ThinkPad.

I am currently at uni, studying cybersecurity, and this particular course also has a lot of software development at the start. I also would be looking to play some videogames (nothing too taxing though; really just Minecraft, Terraria, Stardew Valley, etc.; assuming I don’t go for FreeBSD instead of Linux), watch some videos, and do a bit of video editing.

The device being replaced was a mid-2014 MacBookPro11,1 A1502. Compared to my other hardware, though, this is a powerhouse.

I have already looked at a few models (namely the T450 and the X1 Carbon Gen. 10), but these have always had a snag or two that are a deal breaker.

Of course, I will be running either Linux, BSD, or some other *nix.

In terms of specs, I would be needing:

• At least 8GB of RAM (or upgradable to/past)
• A CPU equal or better than the i5 in the Mac
• At least 256GB of storage (SSD preferable, but not essential)
• 1400x900 resolution or higher
• WiFi drivers available for BSD
• Decent battery life
• Screen must be less than 17", or it won’t fit in my bag
• Ideally no more than five years old; although an older ThinkPad could be doable
• Either AMD-based or made after 2018 (to prevent Meltdown attacks, should I decide to run Linux-libre or something else without microcode updates)

Unless a device is ridiculously expensive, the cost shouldn’t be a problem. Also, I live in the UK.

So, any suggestions?