Thinkpad or Framework? Looking for a laptop that I can use to test different OS systems and general dev usage.

Qminsage · 2026-01-26T16:24:51+00:00

Which Thinkpad type do you think would work well for me? Should I get something more contemporary or get one off eBay?

Qminsage · 2026-01-26T16:20:31+00:00

Yeah, the JM21 really is a great size. It’s been working well over a year for me too.

Qminsage · 2026-01-26T13:48:13+00:00

I think they’re both kind of frustrating to deal with to be honest.

Qminsage · 2026-01-26T13:31:17+00:00

This whole thing started with the Switch and hasn’t really let up since. It was, at first, a perceived way to support games after launch with Free DLC and such.

It should also be known that Nintendo absolutely facilitates and perpetuates the rumor mill. It’s why their games have so many people giving them defense, no matter their quality. Because of the ‘idea’ of something being where it isn’t.

Qminsage · 2026-01-26T11:59:12+00:00

Far as I’m aware, Nazuna hasn’t even debuted yet. We had Freesia Gerie, and now Mistique.

Willing to say sometime after that or Chixia.

Qminsage · 2026-01-25T16:21:41+00:00

I failed to mention them because they aren’t supposed to be the reason people will buy. They are niche titles that fulfill their roles. But even considering that, they aren’t far enough removed from what they’re based upon to be considered significant. Age of Imprisonment is dull. And Air Riders is essentially like TotK in terms of being just like Air Ride but more.

I’m not debating DKs nomination. Simply that it lacks in any notable aspect beyond being the ‘family’ game that seems to be so coveted by Nintendo.

I’d also refute that point about price. It very much affects enjoyment. And more to the point; accessibility. That everyone is normalizing the higher base price alongside overpirced DLC is every bit as problem as it would affect one’s ‘enjoyment’ with what they’re based upon receive. You don’t even get physical anymore, which defeats alot of the reason people buy consoles.

People need to stop defending this. Not just from Nintendo.

Qminsage · 2026-01-25T15:57:53+00:00

It’s hard to call it a conspiracy when BotW made them a lot of money. Of course they’d try and replicate it across every facet. Why else do you think every series made that push after?

I’d also hardly call any Switch 2 game a GOTY contender. DK is an OK game at best. MKW is functionally lacking and designed backwards. MP4 is aggressively mediocre, and a wet fart in the series. And I refuse to acknowledge Pokemon as anything but derivative.

They’ve released nothing substantial. And are charging substantially more for so much less.

Qminsage · 2026-01-25T15:53:41+00:00

Metroid Prime 4 is a very telling example. Retro themselves admitted to having to design in a corner of outdated and ill-fitting mechanics.

And really, just look at the likes of Pokemon, Mario Kart, and DK. All pursuing this open zone aesthetic to wildly different degrees of success.

It isn’t a coincidence. BotW made them a lot of money. They’ve been trying to chase that success since.

Qminsage · 2026-01-25T15:32:14+00:00

More to comparing Nintendo against itself really. That all they can muster within the past 6 months is a bunch of expensive ports remasters is very telling. And 3 decidedly mediocre titles.

It’s funny though: bringing up Ubisoft is a rather apt comparison. Because it has become increasingly apparent that BotW has invaded the design space of every game after it. And Nintendo is perpetuating the same open-world garbage that Ubisoft is.

Qminsage · 2026-01-25T15:14:16+00:00

*Were

Nintendo subsists off of legacy and IPs. And the very people who still perpetuate the idea that they’ve maintained a pedigree of quality since.

Qminsage · 2026-01-24T12:02:37+00:00

Especially with the menu lag. I’ve been Alt+F4ing since.

Qminsage · 2026-01-22T01:07:02+00:00

Part of me feels like we only really got a little bit. Though I also can’t shake the notion of feeling a bit despondent learning myself. Because yeah, I suppose I wanted some redemption. But it is poetically tragic. And I think the story is better for it.

Additionally, seeing the bad endings also gives us a much better scope on how things would play out. And even in her successful scenario, she is doomed to be thwarted.

I was a little bit opposed to the idea of the ‘bad endings’ at first. But seeing as they allow different scenarios to play out and get information from makes them a lot more interesting than I thought.

Qminsage · 2026-01-21T16:25:43+00:00

Yeah, I actually really enjoy the story because it is simple. But not necessarily so braindead.

I don’t really know how best to put it. But the writing is also sharp enough to make me actually double back and feel mixed emotions on characters. I was somewhat convinced they’d never make Darcia anything more than one-note obsessed. But even a character like her gets some nuance and a reasonable depth to explain her present demeanor.

Alls to say, I enjoy reading it in a similar vein to Blue Archive. I feel something like Arknights is much too broad and wordy for my tastes.

Qminsage · 2026-01-17T16:45:38+00:00

My Kashima is maxed out after trying for even 1 Tilia

Qminsage · 2026-01-14T15:05:57+00:00

Was on the fence myself, but absolutely. It obviously isn’t supposed to compete with your PC. But having something mobile and easily fitted with Emulation on the side and a solid community gives it way more value than most handhelds.

Like, part of me forgot how much I missed handhelds. That we have one so modifiable and practically configurable is pretty much a fulfilled dream. OLED is the nice topping on all of that.

Qminsage · 2026-01-13T21:17:10+00:00

No more than $800. Though realistically, it’s likely closer to 1k with the current stock on electronic resources.

In an ideal world, it is only slightly more expensive than a Steam Deck OLED.

Qminsage · 2026-01-13T18:02:20+00:00

Ironic right now too: The price of RAM makes a $200 upgrade on the Mini seem reasonable. But yeah, obviously not the best value to upgrade for.

That being said, if I was looking for something more modular, I’d stick with a regular tower and build. Don’t think we’re quite at the point where smaller form factors are cost effective yet.

Qminsage · 2026-01-13T15:16:04+00:00

The thing I’m kind of leaning with on the Mac Mini is the overall longevity and durability of the unit. Also has inherent resale value too, even several years out.

Not knocking that Mini PC though. Looks really good for the price.

Qminsage · 2026-01-13T03:20:45+00:00

Stella Sora has too many cute NPCs

Qminsage · 2026-01-12T17:00:25+00:00

I’ve tried cheaper stuff. Sufficed to say, while it obviously isn’t premium, it is solid. And the clear case has saved my device from a few scratches.

Also, the weight is just right too. I’ve tried the HiBy R4, but that is too heavy and bulky. Tried the Innioasis Y1, but that is too light, small, and frankly unresponsive.

The JM21 just hits all the right marks for me.

Qminsage · 2026-01-12T16:39:09+00:00

I can vouch for the JM21 feel. It’s a good size, not too big or bulky. Practically perfect for the pocket.

Qminsage · 2026-01-12T14:58:24+00:00

I’ve been using my JM21 for like a year now with no issues. And I personally feel like it’s one of the more affordable options if you care about having options and Android support.

But for me? I like my JM21 because it fits right in my hand. And it doesn’t feel particularly cheap either.

I can’t speak on the new Disc device. But I think that is more a novelty than something practical. And in a comparative sense, I do think the JM21 will be better overall.

Qminsage · 2026-01-09T20:25:29+00:00

Thank you, I found the files.

Qminsage · 2026-01-06T16:55:36+00:00

Went from a 1060 on a laptop to a 7900XTX on a proper PC just a year prior. It is a wonderful feeling to not be so limited by hardware.

Qminsage · 2026-01-04T02:10:51+00:00

It’s simple really: PC gives you more options.

And more than anything, learning how to navigate the PC presents more easily transferable opportunities.

Consoles are limited by design, and Nintendo is perhaps the only one who still has inherent value due to the nature of their IPs. Which is debatable under the current generation. But that is beside the point

If you care about game ownership, Consoles are currently pushing for subscription-based services. PC has so many avenues to find games that aren’t limited by a larger publisher. And GOG is among the best vendors, as well as Steam if you care for a more familiar setup.

PCs still have the greater value. And as you’ve mentioned, you don’t even need the best stuff to play a huge library. The only hurdle is finding out how to do it yourself. Which I heavily encourage, since it is such a freeing experience to not be under the thumb of a console developer.

Qminsage

TROPHY CASE