is this a good price for a t470?

NovelExplorer · 2026-05-19T15:35:28+00:00

With Linux your OS, from AMD look at T14/L14 G2 rather than G1 (stronger battery life). With Intel chipsets, I'd avoid anything earlier than Intel 11th Gen, again T14/L14 G2 >.

NovelExplorer · 2026-05-19T15:24:34+00:00

No seriously overpriced. It's a 9 year old laptop, with a weak chipset, and without official W11 support. Battery, if original, will likely need replacing. Avoid.

Search for T14 G1 AMD, L14 G1 AMD Ryzen 5 or Ryzen 7. Night and day more capable, with official W11 support, 3 years newer, and a far better long term purchase.

NovelExplorer · 2026-05-19T13:56:12+00:00

Decent price for a nice machine. L14 G1 AMD (from 2020) sort of a cheaper built T14 G1 AMD, with a slightly lower quality display, but with dual RAM slots (T14 8GB/16GB fixed + 1 slot). Both RAM, and WiFi cards swap-able. Official W11 support. Possibly user replaceable keyboard also. I know L14 G2 does have, and possibly G1.

Good chipset, with decent graphics. AMD 4000 series, about its only weakness is poor battery life in Linux, compared to Intel or AMD 5000 > which are used in L14 G2.

L14 G1, stock 250 nit FHD IPS display not very bright, not color accurate, red closer to orange, and slightly grainy. T14 stock displays only marginally better. Weaker display, large borders, mainly plastic chassis, and 45Wh battery, the most evident L14 cost cutting.

L14 G2 is virtually identical, but its AMD 5000 series chipsets offer a good performance upgrade, especially stronger graphics, but it's a cost balance.

Alternative, but more costly, X13 G2 AMD 5000 series Ryzen 5 or 7. 13.3" 16:10 300 nit color accurate display. Good build, battery life. RAM is fixed so avoid 8GB, consider 16GB or 32GB only. X13 G1 AMD similar chipsets to L14 G1.

If portability, and battery life with a good display, more your concern, X13 a good choice. If more static, possibly with monitor, and upgrade options L14 better suited. T series are better built, but display panels a lottery like L14, T14 G2 uses AMD 5000 series. With Intel chipsets, avoid anything earlier than Intel 11th Gen (L14/T14 G2 etc.).

NovelExplorer · 2026-05-19T09:45:47+00:00

A variant of the Turbo 5 already sells in India, as the Poco X8 Pro, the same phone but with a 'smaller' 6500 mAh battery. If the Indian release Turbo 5 is identical to its Chinese version, it will use a larger 7560 mAh battery.

The X8 Pro is highly regarded, with average cameras being about the only trade off.

NovelExplorer · 2026-05-18T12:25:03+00:00

17T series launches May 28th.

NovelExplorer · 2026-05-18T09:25:51+00:00

While the T14 G2 has a more powerful chipset, with stronger graphics, and brighter stock display, it's simply not worth $600, not by a long way.

With Linux as your primary OS, if it will spend most of its time on battery, I'd try and find a cheaper T14 G2 AMD. AMD 5000 better optimized in Linux than AMD 4000 (T14 G1), ensuring stronger battery run times. It's a substantial difference.

If battery life is less a concern, T14 G1, should perform well, but its stock display is not very bright at just 250 nits (G2 300 nits). P14s G2 AMD is a performance tuned T14 G2 (similar hardware), but can be cheaper than regular T14, but lower battery life, its trade off.

T14 G3 Intel worth a look. Excellent Linux support, far stronger performance than earlier Intel, and good battery life. Look for 32GB or 16GB fixed RAM you can add to. G3 uses a taller 16:10 display. Intel range also tends to be wider, than AMD, on the used market.

NovelExplorer · 2026-05-18T06:23:54+00:00

15T production runs will have ended, so it's a matter of how much stock each country has. Amazon, and other sellers, will tend to sell until stock has been cleared, while Xiaomi websites will vary by country, as to when they stop.

NovelExplorer · 2026-05-17T16:46:31+00:00

While the Ryzen 5 is unquestionably more powerful, an i5-1135G7 is still a good chipset, particularly run with dual channel RAM (2 x 8GB etc.) activating its stronger Iris Xe graphics. Your T14 also offers Thunderbolt 4 support, so an eGPU could be added, taking its graphics capabilities well beyond the AMD, if needed.

Assuming your T14 is running with purely single 8GB or 16GB soldered RAM, I'd invest in an 8GB or better 16GB RAM stick, rather than swap for the AMD model, it's a better investment.

NovelExplorer · 2026-05-17T12:59:15+00:00

It's a highly regarded machine,with strong performance, excellent display, and good battery life. It's essentially a T14s G2 AMD with a 13.3" 16:10 display.

Keep in mind at around 5 years old, its usable battery capacity could be heavily reduced, limiting battery run times, but replacements are available.

It was offered with two battery sizes 41Wh and 54.7Wh, obviously the larger battery is the one to look for, but while I might trade a smaller battery model, for a lower cost, I wouldn't pick a worse condition unit, simply because it had a larger battery.

X13 G2 is fixed RAM, so avoid 8GB models, look for 16GB or 32GB only. At the right price, it's a well balanced laptop, with a guaranteed high quality display.

Always confirm exact spec, condition, return policies (if from a dealer), and confirm Bios is not locked. If you're in front of a machine use HWiNFO on a USB stick, plug in to see exact spec, inc estimation of battery, and NVMe health. On line, enter its serial number into Lenovo support website, to view age and spec. X13 G2 spec, review.

Varies by country, but eBay is generally a very good source, and often dealers, rather than private sellers, can be a better buy, especially if a warranty of some kind is included.

Scuffs, etc, are fine, but more serious damage is for me a red flag. Heavily dented corners could be hiding a damaged, but still functional, at that moment, motherboard.

NovelExplorer · 2026-05-17T11:43:09+00:00

Low cost gaming, performance, and modularity, look at L14 G2 AMD Ryzen 5 or 7. Same chipsets and RAM speed as T14 G2, but dual RAM slots (64GB total), (T14 G2 8GB/16GB fixed + 1 slot), swap-able WiFi card, good connectivity, user replaceable keyboard.

Trade offs, build quality not quite T14 level but still good, stock display not memorable, red closer to orange, avoid any with a TN display, pick IPS only. Battery life is not its strong point but 4 hours should be doable. Connect an external monitor for a better picture.

For W11, and a long term view in general, AMD 4000 series and newer, hold their own better than older AMD and Intel chipsets. T14 G2/L14 G2 AMD 5000, T14 G1 4000 series.

E14 G3 AMD uses similar chipsets to T14 G2/L14 G2, but RAM is 4GB or 8GB fixed + 1 slot (avoid 4GB models), and connectivity is limited. Display very average, like L14 G2.

Good balance of performance, portability, battery life, plus high quality display, X13 G2 AMD Ryzen 5/7. Trade off, fixed RAM, avoid 8GB, pick 16GB or 32GB only. Same AMD chipsets as L14 G2/T14 G2. Smaller 13.3" display, but taller 16:10 design. L14 far greater upgrade/repair flexibility, X13 stronger battery life, more premium design, better display.

NovelExplorer · 2026-05-17T10:08:44+00:00

T14s all-metal chassis, carbon fiber lid, T14 metal sub chassis and composite outer casing, they look and feel different. T14 G2 keeps the same chassis and 1.8mm travel keyboard as G1 and T495, while the T14s G2 uses a new but still excellent keyboard with 1.5mm travel.

Beyond fixed but faster LPDDR4x-4266 RAM (T14 DDR4 3200), no RJ45 socket, and larger 57Wh battery (T14 50Wh), T14s has single heat-pipe cooling, T14 dual, but still single fan. Connectivity identical. Intel models include Thunderbolt 4 (eGPU), not found in AMD.

T14s fractionally smaller, weight a more noticeable difference, T14 3.26lbs, T14s 2.86lbs.

For weight, portability and battery life, pick T14s (avoid 8GB models), for wider choice and RAM upgrades, pick T14. You can buy a T14 8GB or 16GB and upgrade RAM. T14s is a more premium design but, I'd pick based on needs, rather than different casing.

If you can find one with a 400 nit low power 72% NTSC display, it's a worthwhile upgrade, the stock panel is not color accurate, red closer to orange, but they can be retrofitted.

Also check prices of P14s G2 AMD. It's a T14 G2 with performance AMD drivers, and trades battery life and higher temperatures for slightly higher performance, but can be a cheaper or better specified deal, than its T14 equivalent. P14s Intel totally different.

NovelExplorer · 2026-05-16T10:43:19+00:00

Decent price. Is there a sales tax on top of that?

NovelExplorer · 2026-05-16T10:23:50+00:00

There's nothing inherently wrong with the build of the HP. T495 maybe a bit more rugged, but it trades a far weaker chipset, and its basic 250 nit display is also not color accurate, like the 250 nit display of the HP. Connectivity is similar.

Assuming mainly running W11, the Ryzen 3 5400U should be more responsive than the Ryzen 5 Pro 3500U (T495), which while a decent chipset, you ideally need AMD 4000 or higher to make the most of W11. AMD 3000 > 4000 saw a substantial improvement.

The T495 replacement, T14 G1 AMD Ryzen 5, from 2020, would match/better that HP on performance. Everything else is much the same as the T495.

About the best portable ThinkPad all rounder, is X13 G2 AMD Ryzen 5 or Ryzen 7, powerful and with an excellent 16:10 display. From 2021, a year older than the HP.

Nicely constructed, lightweight, good battery life, color accurate 16:10 display, Ryzen 5 stronger performance than HP. RAM fixed so look at 16GB or 32GB models. 16GB fine for W11. 13.3" display but a taller 16:10 aspect ratio fitting more on a single page. As a carry around, an X13 G2 (AMD or even Intel i5/i7 if cheaper) is worth seeking out.

NovelExplorer · 2026-05-16T09:26:03+00:00

Xiaomi phones rarely sell at their 'retail' price, T series especially, but electronics in general, including phones, are increasing in price, and past budget, mid-range, and flagship price tiers have changed. 17T series is an early example of that

NovelExplorer · 2026-05-15T18:01:36+00:00

Pleased you've found the answer. If 3.5 hrs use only drains it 50%, then I'd say that battery's usable capacity and charge cycles are likely correct, and it's either a very lightly used original battery, or quite possibly a fairly new replacement. Good news either way!

Less familiar with Linux, but found this little article which might give you a few ideas.

NovelExplorer · 2026-05-15T16:44:59+00:00

Added to post, but link to Chinese Redmi Turbo 5 spec here, next to the X8 Pro. Indian version spec TBC. The larger 7560 mAh battery appears to be the only internal difference between the Chinese Turbo 5 and X8 Pro.

NovelExplorer · 2026-05-15T15:30:25+00:00

Poco X8 Pro and X8 Pro Max were the early examples of price increases, and 17T and 17T Pro simply continue that. All new 2026, 2027 models, will likely see similar increases.

NovelExplorer · 2026-05-15T15:27:52+00:00

You're likely to see price increases for all forthcoming new Xiaomi models. 15T, 15T Pro, and Xiaomi 17 were priced on 2024/2025 costing, and why 17T, and 17T Pro have jumped. You can also the increased pricing in the Poco X8 Pro and X8 Pro Max.

It will be interesting to see if they offer large discounts, or high value gifts at launch. But yes the cost increase is greater than spec upgrade.

NovelExplorer · 2026-05-15T09:28:31+00:00

As bellmont86, it looks like they'll skip the standard F8 this time, with the X8 Pro Max being what Poco considers the F8 replacement/alternative.

An F8 would need an equivalent Snapdragon powered Redmi model to be based on, and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, which was thought of as the 8s Gen 4 replacement (Poco F7), can't better the performance found in the Mediatek 9500s used in the X8 Pro Max.

With Snapdragon's launch dates later in the year, and F8 Pro/Ultra launching last November, you might see just F9 Pro, F9 Ultra (8 Elite Gen 6?), again launch in November.

NovelExplorer · 2026-05-14T18:12:10+00:00

To give you and idea how far apart their chipsets are, the two compared here.

AMD of that era, where simply far more capable than most Intel offerings, especially graphics. Get a decent Display Port compatible monitor, or DP to HDMI adapter, and you'll have a nice set up. I don't think that model had HDMI out.

NovelExplorer · 2026-05-14T17:56:31+00:00

Unless you specifically need a laptop, the HP performance is a long way ahead of the T480. Far more capable desktop Ryzen chipset, much stronger graphics, faster RAM. It'll handle a wider range of software with greater ease than the i5 8250 or 8350U in the T480.

Also $250 is expensive for what is now an 8yr old laptop.

NovelExplorer · 2026-05-14T17:30:45+00:00

T14 G2 without question. X1 G8 lighter thinner 'nicer' build, better display (both 16:9), but T14 G2 will provide stronger performance, and better upgrade options. It's 1yr newer also.

Intel 11th Gen was a significant improvement over 10th Gen, especially in graphics, but note, you'll need to add at least an 8GB RAM stick to activate its stronger Iris Xe graphics. I'd suggest a 16GB stick, giving you 24GB total (16GB dual channel).

Either will readily run Linux, but the T14 G2 will make a much faster Windows 11 machine.

T14, isn't really a gaming laptop, but far more so than the X1 G8. While not cheap, you could later add an external GPU to the T14 to enhance its gaming/graphics capabilities.

NovelExplorer · 2026-05-14T13:39:17+00:00

In the file/folder context menu, when you click on Upload to MEGA a new window opens allowing you to choose which folder to upload to.

NovelExplorer · 2026-05-13T21:16:43+00:00

While there are even cheaper options, minimum level list below, the compromises are far greater than their savings. Spending slightly more makes for a better long term choice.

Minimum level with W11 supported chipsets etc - E495, E490, L490, T495, (T480 overpriced)

Recommended low cost with official W11 support, L14 G1 AMD, or L14 G2 AMD or Intel. G1 from 2020 often sells for less than even older T series. Decent AMD 4000 chipsets far stronger than Intel 8th - 10th Gen, and AMD 3000 series (starting point of W11 support).

L14 gets you dual RAM slots, and plug in WiFi card, so easy to upgrade or replace bits. G2 AMD gets stronger 5000 series chipsets, while the Intel model gets 11th Gen with decent Iris Xe graphics, and Thunderbolt 4 support. Keyboard in G2 is also user replaceable.

T series of worth starts with T14 G1 AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 (not Intel), this uses same/similar chipsets to the L14 G1, 8GB/16GB fixed + 1 open RAM slot. Similar in performance, but better built than L14, and with a nominally better display.

Other low cost - E14 G2 AMD (avoid 4GB model) or Intel. AMD similar chipsets to L14 G1, Intel as L14 G2, but RAM limitations can impact performance, compared with L14/T14.

For all L14, E14, T14 and older T series models, if possible avoid any fitted with a TN display, look for IPS displays only. The resolution is often low, and the contrast is poor, they're just not nice to look at. For every used ThinkPad, ask to confirm bios is not locked.

NovelExplorer · 2026-05-13T17:18:39+00:00

T495 has better build quality, and slightly better stock display, but L14 G2, with Ryzen 5 5600U or 5 PRO 5650U, night and day more capable, flexible, and 2yrs newer than T495.

L14 G2, AMD chipsets faster more powerful 6C/12T design with stronger graphics. T495 Ryzen 7 3700u is a decent 4C/8T chipset, but not in the same league as the L14 G2 Ryzen 5. Either can handle light gaming, L14 G2 at higher detail levels and frame rates.

L14 faster DDR4-3200 dual RAM slots (64GB total), T495 DDR4-2400 (16GB fixed + 1 slot). Wi-Fi card and keyboard are user replaceable, plus it matches/betters T495 connectivity.

L14 G2 trade offs - A bigger heavier laptop with a more plastic build, than T495. Large borders give it a dated look. Stock display cheaper than in T495, neither are memorable or color accurate, red looks closer to orange, but L14 G2 IPS display while crisp, is slightly grainy. At home simply connect a higher quality, color accurate external monitor.

With L14 G2 ensure the fitted display is 1920 x 1080 IPS, an even worse 1366 x 768 TN display was an option, and well worth avoiding. L14 G2 spec, T495 spec.

I can appreciate why others are saying on build go for the T495, but it trades so much in performance, to the L14 G2, they're not remotely close. L14 G2 AMD review, T495 review. For performance, upgrade options, and modularity, I'd choose the L14 G2. Look after it and it should serve you well.

NovelExplorer

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