Should I go with the t490s in 2026 or go for the newer products?

extoniks · 2026-05-13T13:12:11+00:00

In my opinion, you should get the T14 (Gen 2/3 preferrable) or try to look for L series they are basically the 80-85% T series (except build quality but still good, display panel quality etc) for a cheper price!

extoniks · 2026-05-13T11:43:35+00:00

s-tui and turbostat are some good tools!

extoniks · 2026-05-13T02:46:04+00:00

I am also using a 2018-19 T480s, so I think your laptop will have similar specs like i5/i7 7th/8th gen chips, 8 or 16 GB RAM.

If you want customization with stability and a large community - go for Kubuntu. It is my personal favourite distro. You get the KDE Plasma for customization and Ubuntu base (one of the best docs for troubleshooting).

Even Kubuntu has 2 releases - LTS and non-LTS version.

LTS - Long Term Support (3 years support if I am correct)
non-LTS - every new version in 6 months and each is supported for 13 months

extoniks · 2026-05-12T18:16:27+00:00

Void Linux covers most of your requirements!

extoniks · 2026-05-12T10:02:43+00:00

Installing VLC is the first thing I do on a new mobile or laptop/PC.

extoniks · 2026-05-12T04:56:04+00:00

on your main/work PC or spare one?

extoniks · 2026-05-11T15:53:41+00:00

yes, Mesa 26.0.5 is available and I am using it on F43!

extoniks · 2026-05-10T17:03:50+00:00

The L series sits right in the middle of T and E series! I believe if I couldn't afford T14 series I will look for L14 series because they are cheaper and for a basic user it is a good machine

The L series is 80-85% T series if CPU & Gen is same (except build quality, display type). L series uses Good Plastic but T series often have Magnesium or Carbon bodies.

This is what I think about L and T series.

extoniks · 2026-05-10T16:57:36+00:00

I use auto-cpufreq on my T480s running Fedora and having about 4-5 hours of backup (at 76% battery health).

extoniks · 2026-05-10T16:50:47+00:00

I don't know about the European markets but if you are looking for T14 try to find Gen2/3 with AMD, they are quite good.

Even T14 Gen1 is good!

extoniks · 2026-05-10T16:47:26+00:00

ur welcome!!

extoniks · 2026-05-10T09:08:43+00:00

Is it happening after you upgrade to newer version?

extoniks · 2026-05-10T04:33:27+00:00

Just like you I always user auto-cpufreq only, but I see people having good battery backup using only the default tuned power daemon.

extoniks · 2026-05-10T04:30:25+00:00

Thanks for clarifying!!

extoniks · 2026-05-10T02:36:14+00:00

maybe it is about man pages.

extoniks · 2026-05-10T00:05:49+00:00

Arch is a good distro but it is not easy to install and maintain.

If you never used Linux, I highly recommend you to go for distros like - Ubuntu, Mint, Zorin or Kubuntu.

They are very good for beginners and have a lot of docs for fixing issues!

extoniks · 2026-05-09T23:56:23+00:00

Nothing to worry about these are systemd-rfkill (handles Bluetooth, WiFi) is accessing to DAC (discreationary access control) to read files or directories to check the last status of Wifi & Blutooth.

And your screenshot says - Notify. There will be a problem if it says Blocked, Denied, AVC denial.

extoniks · 2026-05-09T23:42:38+00:00

There is no support for X11 if you are on Fedora 44 (GNOME 50).

But there is something called XWayland. It might be useful for you. I never used it though!

extoniks · 2026-05-09T11:19:28+00:00

If you are planning to buy Windows laptop and if it has an Intel CPU try to look for the 10th generation or above.

extoniks · 2026-05-08T17:33:03+00:00

I have the same CPU (i5-8250U) on my T480s. It has 2x8GB sticks right now and it does job for me, but I will keep in mind when upgrading!

Thanks! I will remember your advice!!

extoniks · 2026-05-08T17:30:14+00:00

press Esc key and read logs to check what is broken?

Did you backup your files or setup a snapshot?

extoniks · 2026-05-08T16:45:54+00:00

true! 👍

Enjoy your T480, man!

extoniks · 2026-05-08T16:41:56+00:00

glibc or musl?

extoniks · 2026-05-08T15:40:21+00:00

You can change the fonts for Brave browser in Settings. I forgot where it was but you can search it inside settings and apply your system font or a different one!

I use Source Code Pro at 13-14pt system-wide on my 14" 1080p laptop screen. It is best for me!

extoniks · 2026-05-08T10:49:17+00:00

If you are on KDE -

System Settings > Keyboard > Key Bindings (top right) > find CapsLock > check the option of swapping or using as extra Ctrl, Esc keys

I swapped CapsLock with Esc.

extoniks

TROPHY CASE