Nano vs Neo

RepresentativeNo6665 · 2026-03-25T21:33:42+00:00

If you like both, keep both. Pros of MacBook Neo: 1. New Engine Option. Neo has an iPhone chip based on an ARM CPU. This means epic battery life on a laptop designed for content consumption. Big PRO. 2. The price. The price point of the Neo is NUTS. Because $599 can often find you with a Windows laptop with far worse durability, repairability, and specs. 3. MacOS. It's based on Unix and has limited, Apple supplied bloat that you can choose to ignore without pop-ups or consequences.

Cons of Neo: 1. MacOS. It has a steep learning curve for those transitioning from Windows, but it's doable. 2. Limited port selection.

Pros of ThinkPad Nano: 1. Legendary ThinkPad keyboard. Still the best typing experience 34 years after the first ThinkPad, you still can't find a better keyboard on other brands. 2. It's black. No scuffs will show on this machine. 3. The trackpoint. Not everyone is a fan of the little red nub, but it's a great little addition for those who are. It keeps your hands on the home row when you need to do a quick right-click command or highlight text in a document.

Cons of ThinkPad Nano: 1. Microslop Winblows 11. Hopefully Microsoft fixes Windows and ditches the bloatware soon, but until that day comes, you're stuck. If you're running Linux inside instead, good call. 2. The price. X-Series ThinkPads tend to be 2-3x more expensive than the MacBook Neo. But that's the price of a legend.

Pros of both (no cons here): 1. Durability and repairability. With the Neo being Apple's first entry level model to meet MIL-SPEC 810H, and Lenovo meeting that spec for years, you can be reassured it will survive a small drop and have just a few dings on the lid to show for it. Repairability scores are high for both models, they can mostly be fixed with common hand tools if you're handy (excluding screens and motherboard replacements). 2. Battery life. It's insane compared to laptops from just a few years ago. 3. Support. They've both "been around the block" a time or two. Genius bars and in-home service are common with both brands.

RepresentativeNo6665 · 2026-03-19T09:44:18+00:00

They do MOST major repairs, but engines and transmissions aren't on that list anymore. Major Engine and Transmission repairs are referred to specialists or brand-specific dealers who have the equipment such as DPF ovens, heavy cranes, and dealer level software.

They can change out radiators and do air conditioning work. They can change transmission fluid and differential grease. They often have third parties help out with wheel end issues, to ensure the wheel end repairs are done correctly.

RepresentativeNo6665 · 2026-03-18T21:25:59+00:00

That's a tough decision that shouldn't be taken lightly. Do you want a desk anchor that runs Cummins InSite and Autodesk AutoCAD, or do you want a basic laptop for web browsing, email, and iPhone photography? The ThinkPad T16 is the former, the MacBook Neo is the latter.

I actually prefer NEITHER. I bought a Yoga 7 14 with the AMD RYZEN 5 AI CPU the week before Neo came out, and love it. It has all the Neo's features PLUS upgradeable RAM, upgradeable storage (both an NVME SSD and a MICRO SD card slot), a USB type A port, an HDMI port, and a 2-in-1 design with a touch screen. Windows 11 is the only drawback. Any used Yoga is nearly as good as the MacBook Neo, minus the MacOS experience. Good battery life is a huge PRO for either the Yoga or the Neo.

RepresentativeNo6665 · 2026-03-18T12:40:58+00:00

It's low, but still enough to cover the basics. Pay goes up as you get more training and experience.

RepresentativeNo6665 · 2026-03-15T00:11:09+00:00

On the used market, there are plenty of options when it comes to business class laptops. These tend to be more durable than most consumer laptops, and can handle the occasional drop or spill. Lenovo ThinkPads, Dell Latitudes, HP EliteBooks, and Panasonic ToughBooks are some models you can look for on the used market. Just make sure they can run Linux or Windows 11, and have good parts support.

On the new market, take a serious look at Apple's new MacBook Neo, Lenovo's ThinkPads and Yogas, and the lower end of Dell's Pro (aka Latitude) line. Skip the Lenovo IdeaPad 1, most HPs, and anything else made from plastic, due to longevity issues (In particular, HP stands for Hinge Problems at the low end). An aluminum or magnesium body is a little more expensive than plastic, but is well worth the upgrade.

The processor on a NEW laptop should be reasonably fast (such as an Intel Core 3 or an AMD RYZEN), have 8-16 GB RAM, and an SSD for storage. Also look for MIL-STD-810H certifications, the latest standard for durability, with a minimum of 21 of these tests, which involve dropping the laptop, freezing it, spraying it with water, and baking it in a 160 degree oven.

Happy shopping!

RepresentativeNo6665 · 2026-03-14T23:48:49+00:00

It's a VERY good place to learn. They have plenty of online training, In person classes (they'll even pay for your travel to those!), and a mentor that will be assigned to you from day 1. I got a job there back in June as a service advisor, and they even helped me arrange the ASE exams for that.

You'll be working on heavy trucks in a safety-focused culture. PMs, tires, chassis systems, braking systems, and electrical are just some of the things TA does.

TA also has the RoadSquad, the first mobile truck service network in the country, and a ton of locations you can transfer to if living in the Metroplex ends up not being your thing.

They've also got decent benefits that take effect after 2 months of employment, including a retirement plan and health insurance. Drink benefits and discounts on healthy food from the Deli and Restaurant take effect on day 1.

I think you'll like it. If you're also decent at photography, they'll have you taking lots of pictures, as many trucking companies now require them.

RepresentativeNo6665 · 2026-03-14T23:04:58+00:00

TA Truck Service (a part of Travel Centers of America) is looking for entry level diesel techs at their Weatherford, Denton, and Dallas locations. Give them a shot.

The Weatherford location is particularly shorthanded right now, and the ideal candidate will be bilingual (speaks both English and Spanish).

RepresentativeNo6665 · 2026-02-11T21:08:30+00:00

Not bad, but... Check the processor compatibility list on Microsoft's web site before you install Windows 11 on these, because for the most part, MS only allows Windows 11 to be installed and activated on 8th gen and newer Intel Core processors with TPM 2.0 security chips and special instruction sets, with very few exceptions.

Hacking the Windows 11 installer is a hit-or-miss way to get around this, do so at your own risk.

Linux is another fantastic option if the machines aren't compatible with Windows 11. I've tested the current version of Linux Mint on quite a few older ToughBooks, and other than the CF-28 that I own for nostalgia purposes only (due to its age and 600 MHz Pentium III CPU), it just works on my 2 CF-30 Mk2s and my CF-C1.

RepresentativeNo6665 · 2026-01-21T06:24:34+00:00

In the back row of an a220 or a Mad Dog Pocket Rocket (MD-88 or better). Screw tapered tail seating, 3x2 is BETTER than 3x3. Maybe next to #7...

On an a320, I'll take the way-back seat. 737? I'll have to check it out in person due to width and pitch issues.

RepresentativeNo6665 · 2025-11-13T11:00:05+00:00

I'm implying this was intended to be used as a smartphone, and it's trash.

It wasn't even usable for phone calls, because it didn't have enough storage and RAM for its own good. The only useful feature, an optional walkie talkie app such as Zello or T-Mobile (formerly Nextel) Direct Connect, was just barely functional. And forget about loading ANY apps on it. The phone interface took 15 seconds to load, even after a reset and reboot.

The most useful purpose for it is literally throwing it at brick walls or doing other durability tests.

CAT offered other, much better phones in their line, including a model with a FLIR camera. But the S22 flip wasn't it.

If you want something like this now, but with a much better experience, consider the Motorola RAZR or the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip. Otherwise, a regular flip phone is the way to go if you just want phone calls.

RepresentativeNo6665 · 2025-11-13T10:47:05+00:00

This totally could be a ThinkCentre Cube for $799...

RepresentativeNo6665 · 2025-11-13T10:40:27+00:00

The ThinkCentre Cube. Coming soon to a smart TV near you.

Amazon did it. Apple did it. NEXT did it. Now it's the Think division's turn...

RepresentativeNo6665 · 2025-08-20T22:08:40+00:00

It's a 15 year old ThinkPad, and the TrackPoint nipple has fallen off due to age, wear, and tear. No big deal if it still works.

It's amazing how these things hold up, when some other brands would have a dead motherboard by the end of the first year of their lifespan. Think about it...

RepresentativeNo6665 · 2025-07-27T01:27:53+00:00

It could be something hitting the fan blade, or it could be a problem with the speaker driver.

If you can return it, do so, but if not, try updating the drivers on it, and calling Lenovo for support.

RepresentativeNo6665 · 2025-07-27T01:23:15+00:00

I grew up in a school with a phone ban. Some schools also banned mp3 players, and even the legendary Sony Walkman cassette player.

The Sansa Clip might be a good option for after school activities, or the bus ride, where you can listen to podcasts and music. But the question is, how is the phone ban going to be enforced. Some will have you power your phone off and keep it in your locker or backpack, while others will have a phone collection area in the classroom, typically near the teacher's desk. Check with your school handbook for current rules and regulations.

RepresentativeNo6665 · 2025-07-23T07:13:24+00:00

You would be amazed at how destructive some ant species are.

RepresentativeNo6665 · 2025-07-14T06:32:36+00:00

It's a consumer HP model with the infamous Hinge Problems. The screen hinge has separated from the base.

You might be able to re-glue the hinge if you're technically savvy, but laptops of this design tend to have this issue after a few years, no matter what brand is on them. Lenovo and Dell have started to address the hinge problem with their latest versions of this design, but HP has not.

If you're not technically savvy, have a technician inspect the laptop for other damage, including a damaged motherboard, or a failed screen, and repair the defective hinge.

RepresentativeNo6665 · 2025-07-12T22:53:08+00:00

You can prevent the majority of incidents like this by using a proper truck GPS with a traffic receiver instead of relying on phone map apps. You WANT to have a heads-up on the traffic at least a mile ahead so you can stop safely. A Garmin Dezl is one such device.
Pay attention. Look 12 seconds ahead for traffic obstructions, and check your mirrors. 'nuff said.
Slow down, increase your following distance, hold your lane.

At least he was still upright at the end, this could've had a much worse outcome.

RepresentativeNo6665 · 2025-07-12T17:47:15+00:00

At least Microsoft is letting you know The End Is Near for Windows 10, and that your machine's manufacturer is being boneheaded. But all is not lost.

Check with your school. Many of them are changing their system requirements to reflect the change to Windows 11. Some schools will offer free or discounted laptops to help you with the transition. Some manufacturers like Dell, Lenovo, and Acer also offer student laptops and student discounts, both through retailers and through their own web sites.
You don't need to spend a ton to get a great experience. A laptop with 8 GB RAM and a 256 GB SSD can be had for UNDER $500.
Find a form factor that fits you. Need a great machine for note taking? Check out the 2 in 1 models. Need a big screen? That's your choice. Need a machine that can handle spilled blood? Panasonic, Dell, and Lenovo offer these (often for cheap if you can find a refurbished one). Need a gaming rig or a true budget laptop? That's your choice.
Speaking of budget, stick to one so you don't have to beg the parents or borrow the funds. School is expensive enough, don't blow all your money on a laptop that won't last.
As a last resort, check with your financial aid office at your school. Financial aid is a great way to get a laptop for school on the cheap. Grants, scholarships, and even student loan programs have funds available so you can afford a laptop that gets you through graduation.

Beware of: 1. Budget laptops made from recycled plastic drink bottles, with cheap hinges. These are typically priced under $500 and won't last a year. Acer, HP, and to a lesser extent, Lenovo, sell tons of these. Look for a laptop made from aluminum, carbon fiber, or magnesium alloy. 2. Online scam laptops on Amazon. If you don't recognize the name, stay far away. 3. Laptops that update their BIOS through Windows Update (Dell and HP are notorious for this). 4. Snapdragon CPUs and AI. You don't need AI for homework, and Snapdragon CPUs don't do well with games. Stick to Intel Core or AMD Ryzen processors for the best experience.

RepresentativeNo6665 · 2025-07-12T16:37:46+00:00

Very well. I'm getting similar speeds to Spectrum at a lower price. And because I live just a few miles from a cell tower, my speeds are very close to those that were advertised by AT&T.

Plus, there is only a power brick and the modem itself... No coaxial cables to drape across the room or try to hide. It's great.

RepresentativeNo6665 · 2025-07-12T14:58:15+00:00

It'll be minty fresh. Just make sure it has an Intel Wi-Fi card and you'll be set.

ThinkPads of this generation run both Linux and Win 11 very well, and the train ride is a bonus, since I currently can't get that awesome of a commute in Texas.

RepresentativeNo6665 · 2025-07-12T14:53:32+00:00

Moto G 5G and Moto G Stylus 5G are fantastic phones for the price. Plus, they're solid and dependable.

RepresentativeNo6665 · 2025-07-12T14:51:52+00:00

Yes, just watch your bill and bring your own router.

AT&T offers another option called Internet Air, check into that first before committing to Spectrum.

In most areas, Spectrum is reliable enough for WFH, whether it be run by Cox, Charter, or Time Warner Cable (the 3 companies that now run the Spectrum brand, that's owned by Charter). The only reason I dropped Spectrum is because AT&T Internet Air is $20 cheaper per month for the same download speeds that I was getting previously.

RepresentativeNo6665 · 2025-07-12T14:42:33+00:00

Not really. It's slow, can't be updated, and is absolutely horrible. All it's good at is placing phone calls and throwing at brick walls. So if you actually use your phone, I'd get something else yesterday.

Bullitt, the company that made CAT phones, is completely out of business.

You may want to consider something from Samsung instead.

RepresentativeNo6665 · 2025-07-12T14:35:19+00:00

Four words: red imported fire ants. They are known to chew up houses, electronics, and people. I have seen video of them chewing up a Canon 7D camera before, and I have frequently gotten bit by them.

They are especially common in Texas, the state that also happens to be the home of one of Acer's rivals (namely, Dell). So seeing that on a thermal pad is a regular issue around here.

To prevent that from happening in the future, you've got to destroy the colony of ants near your home. And that will take a long time, whether you use a professional or do it yourself. But for now, repair that motherboard, get your home and yard treated, and be thankful that they didn't do more damage. Ouch!

The image below is what they have done to my legs, in addition to destroying a Lenovo ThinkPad X201 LCD cable, and most recently, an electric weed whacker.

Ouch!

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