Is this ThinkPad the BEST cheap laptop? (T480S)

I had a T480 issued to me at work that I used every day 12 hours a day for several years that made me fall in love with ThinkPads. I’d probably still be using it but I moved to a new position where I do a lot of database management, editing of large excel documents, and AutoCAD work so I got an upgrade to a Gen 4 ThinkPad P1

I couldn't decide so I bought both version, the classic T480 and the T480s... I upgraded the T480 with 2x16Gb and a 2Tb nvme SSD, and the T480s with a 16Gb on the single ram slot to have 8+16Gb, and a 1 Tb nvme SSD. They are the best laptops I ever had

Just the video I was looking for. To the point and helpful. Thanks man.

I see a thinkpad, i instantly hit that like button

I have the T470, and I love it. I prefer this laptop over my ThinkPad E15 Gen 3. And it cost me only $80. Got it from a Pawn Shop and replaced the Thermal paste. I did order 2 batteries seeing how the batteries on here are trashed. But other than that, it is a great device.

In your video you said you can add up to an additional 16Gb module - officially, yes that's correct. But the T480s unofficially supports 32Gb modules - so you can actually go to 8Gb soldered + 32Gb for a total of 40Gb. I used Kingston FuryX modules to do this personally with the T480s and X270 FYI.

i got this laptop for my dad actually! specifically the model with a i5 vpro cpu and 16 gigs ram. it cost me $230 without storage from ebay and i had to add a 512 gig nvme drive for $40, bringing totals up to $270. from my experience the non-s model (t480) tends to have better specs for cheaper (the one i use for linux came with QHD, i7 vpro, 16/256 gigs included and an mx150 for just $215), but a non-enthusiast will probably take the thin-and-light factor any day over this negligible spec bump. the half-soldered ram is a little worrisome for me (still mad about letting myself get a laptop with 8 gigs soldered ram a few years back), but at least it's still somewhat upgradable and it's hard to argue with the price.

The video is timely information in that I'm shopping for a replacement or mate for my T450s. The T480s can be had for less than $200 USD w/shipping and there's no shortage of them.. Upgrading is straight forward and not a complex process for most techies. I was not aware of the power supply variations.

Thanks for the review! FR

Thinkpads are the best on all aspects, only complaint is that they should revive the old keyboard back. There's so many functions and features missing on the new ones for the sake of modernity and simplicity.

I'm still using an X1 Carbon Gen 3 from 2015 and it's holding on well! The thickness being similar to a Macbook Air is madness! Don't like the soldered 8GB RAM though. I'm thinking of upgrading to a T480S soon once my budget frees up. Long live the Thinkpads!

got a t470s for 200 euros in germany. Runs on ubuntu 22.10 and it works really well. Just a really good quality product for the average joe. I dont think you can beat it used

❤mine. Souped it up with 40gb ram & 2tb ssd 💥

I just bought a T470 myself for the upgradability and portability. It has a 256 GB SSD but when i'm able I'm looking at a NVMe drive

The T420 is a nice 80$ deal from eBay that I have bought since I was in Australia, still nice and do good things for me even I have the Thinkbook 16p gen 2 as my daily device

Ty for the video. Follow your channel 😎

I got my first ever Thinkpad! A T480S in excellent condition. It's an amazing machine! It's so silent and cool. The keyboard is also great! I'm loving it!

still going strong with my t450 + extended bulky primary battery and probably gonna go all out for a better and brand new thinkpad , the keyboard+ the signature right and left button on the mousepad is super useful first time using it and immediately fell in love with the keyboard

Good review. I bought a T430s a while back. Didn’t even know they existed before that. Now that I have been introduced to this series, I’ll eventually get the T480s or so. That’s why I watched your video. Which was 👍

Just bought one for 165. I5 with 24gb ram. Found an i7 version but the seller never responded. I saw it as a recommendation and needed something "new". I'm excited to clean it up and upgrade the storage and battery