So, after trying every laptop possible you chose the Thinkpad as your go-to for work? Why is that? I ask because I've been considering moving off from a Mac and I'm shopping for the best replacement.
You can get a pretty decent machine for 300-500 on ebay but selecting the correct configuration is key. One area Thinkpads fall short since the Lenovo purchase is the screen quality. But the Pantone 4K option is pretty nice if you can find one. I like the T and P series and dislike the E. X is Ok if you have to carry it everywhere especially for network technicians. But Thinkpads generally aren't light and the battery life can be hit and miss. It's nice there are Xeon options but I'd expect the Intel signature hairdryer whirr on load. Most Thinkpads are quiet enough though. It's a good budget option, excellent value. A tool I think everyone should have kicking around.
What you find as a technician is that manufacturers have very different ideas about how to engineer a laptop. The worst of the worst was the Dell Latitude series which looked like it was put together with lego and superglue. I've never seen cost optimization to that degree, perhaps to their credit.
They are durable and ubiquitous no-nonsense work machines. I just picked one up for $300 and can do all the dev work I need
The keyboard has that obvious wear on the home row from lots of use but it’s been rock solid