These days, people ask me, “What’s the best budget laptop right now?” there’s only one computer that I recommend every single time: the Lenovo ThinkPad T480. Yes, it’s an older model and kind of a senior citizen in laptop years. But that’s exactly why it’s such a killer deal today. I put together this little write up of specs because I see this question asked often. I have two Thinkpad T480s of my own, one running Fedora Linux and the other running Windows 10. Its super cheap, dependable, and portable for travel. I use it as a secondary laptop when I need something basic but don’t want to lug my 16in macbook pro around. Here’s what I like best about it:
This dependable business laptop is a workday essential, offering powerful performance, all-day battery life, durable construction, and a comfortable, professional design.
Buy on AmazonLegendary Build Quality
ThinkPads are known for their tank-like durability, and the T480 is probably the most well known for this. It has a magnesium-alloy chassis, a spill-resistant keyboard, and a reputation for surviving drops and dings that would send other laptops straight to the recycling bin. If you want a laptop that can handle daily wear and tear without worry, the T480 is it.
Comfortable, Productive Typing
If you do a lot of typing, whether it’s papers, reports, coding, or emails, the T480 delivers one of the best typing experiences you’ll find on any laptop at any price. The keyboard has deep key travel, satisfying tactile feedback, and the classic red TrackPoint that longtime ThinkPad fans swear by.
Swappable Battery = All-Day Power
One of the coolest features of the T480 is its dual battery system. You get an internal battery plus a removable one, which means:
- You can swap in a fresh battery mid-day
- Extended battery options give you up to 15+ hours of real-world use That’s something you just won’t find in newer ultrabooks at this price point.
Plenty of Ports, No Dongles Needed
Modern laptops often sacrifice functionality for thinness. Not the T480. It’s got:
- USB-C (with charging)
- Full-sized HDMI
- Ethernet
- SD card reader
- Multiple USB-A ports This makes it a dream for anyone who works with peripherals, projectors, or external storage, no dongles needed.
Runs Even Better with Linux
Personally, I like to swap out Windows 10 for Linux (usually Fedora), and the T480 handles it beautifully. Linux not only runs faster on this hardware, but it also helps extend battery life by cutting down on background processes and bloatware. Fedora is especially smooth and stable, and everything from Wi-Fi to power management just works right out of the box.
If you’re comfortable with Linux or looking to learn, this is a fantastic machine to run it on.
Great Value on the Used Market
Because it’s several years old, the T480 can often be found for $150–$350, depending on the specs. And it’s highly upgradeable:
- Add 16 or 32GB of RAM
- Swap in a blazing fast NVMe SSD
- Replace the battery if needed
You’re essentially getting a customizable workhorse for the price of a budget Chromebook.
Final Thoughts
The Lenovo ThinkPad T480 isn’t flashy. It’s not trying to win any contests. But when it comes to performance, durability, and long-term value, it’s hard to beat. Whether you’re a student, freelancer, traveler, or someone who just wants a reliable machine without breaking the bank, the T480 might just be the best budget laptop you can buy.