Is it Still Worth Buying a Lenovo ThinkPad T420?

The Lenovo ThinkPad T420 once held a revered position in the tech world, but is it still a worthwhile purchase in today's marketplace?

Why to Consider the ThinkPad T420

The ThinkPad T420 is a testament to Lenovo's commitment to producing high-quality, reliable laptops. Its ergonomic keyboard, beautiful aesthetics, and performance make it a favorite for professionals and power users.

Keyboard and Aesthetic Appeal

One of the primary selling points of the ThinkPad T420 is its keyboard. The typing experience is described as 'scintillating', making this model a standout choice for those who spend a lot of time at their desk. Additionally, the T420's elegance offers a perfect blend of style and functionality, making it a visually appealing machine.

Current Relevance of the ThinkPad T420

While the ThinkPad T420 remains a solid choice for basic tasks such as internet surfing and office work, its capabilities are becoming increasingly outdated for more demanding tasks. If you need to engage in activities that require high hardware specifications, such as gaming, video editing, or complex office tasks, you might want to consider more modern models.

The X220 seems to be the more current and improved option. Although the T420 is still quite capable for certain tasks, it lacks some of the advanced features and capabilities that the X220 offers.

Key Features of the X220

The X220 stands out for its durable construction, long battery life, and impressive performance. With a 94Wh battery, 3G HSPA, SATA3, SSD, and a 768p IPS display, the X220 is a powerhouse that matches up well against other contemporary laptops, even those closer in price to the MacBook Air 13, 2019. The enhanced keyboard feedback and durability are unmatched in subnotebook laptops.

Upgrade Considerations

Buying the ThinkPad T420 today comes with several considerations. For instance, the lack of a quad-core CPU option was a significant drawback. If you prefer a more powerful machine, the T520 is a better choice with a quad-core Intel Core i7 processor and a larger screen.

The T420 also lacks USB 3.0 ports, which are highly valued for today's fast data transfer needs. If you plan to use these ports frequently, you might need to add an ExpressCard to your purchase. When it comes to memory and storage, the system typically comes with less than 8GB RAM, and it doesn't always have an SSD. Upgrading these components is essential for smooth performance in modern operating systems and software.

Longevity and Battery Considerations

At eight years old, the T420 is beyond its prime. The battery, often a critical component, may need to be replaced. When purchasing, it's important to consider the cost of these upgrades to ensure you get a long-term solution that meets your needs.

Alternative Options for Modern Performance

For those looking for a more powerful, modern option, the W520 with a quad-core CPU, 16 or 32GB RAM, and an SSD drive is an excellent choice. My W520 runs exceptionally smoothly, which is a testament to its cutting-edge hardware and performance capabilities.

While the ThinkPad T420 is no longer as worthy a purchase as it once was, it still offers value for certain tasks and users who prioritize traditional laptop aesthetics and design over raw performance.