Two weeks in the past I put aside my M4 MacBook Air and picked up a nine-year-old ThinkPad. It’s considered one of an estimated 200 to 400 million Home windows 10 PCs that don’t meet Microsoft’s necessities for Home windows 11. When Microsoft formally ended assist for Home windows 10 in October, it grew to become “out of date.” The answer, in accordance with Microsoft, is to do away with it and purchase a pc that may run Home windows 11.
However that’s not adequate. This ThinkPad — like thousands and thousands of different PCs in the identical boat — continues to be completely purposeful. Its {hardware} is greater than able to on a regular basis duties. I’ve been utilizing it for internet searching, writing in Google Docs, speaking to my Verge colleagues on Slack, and even some gaming on Steam. Not unhealthy for a laptop computer that’s presupposed to be retired.
All you must do is reject Microsoft’s framing. It’s not secure to go away it on Home windows 10, since Microsoft selected to cease providing safety updates, and Home windows 11 isn’t supported. However who says this laptop computer must run Home windows in any respect? There’s one other working system that runs nice on older {hardware}, continues to be actively maintained, and might stop thousands and thousands of computer systems from being scrapped earlier than their time.
That’s proper: The key to saving this laptop computer, and perhaps yours too, is Linux.
The spec that blocked my laptop computer from working Home windows 11
This story was written on a Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 5 with 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and a Seventh-gen Intel Core i7-7600U processor. It’s a extra highly effective model of a laptop computer The Verge reviewed when it got here out in 2017. On the time, it was thought-about a high-end, ultra-portable workhorse of a laptop computer, providing upwards of eight hours of battery life in a surprisingly light-weight bundle. It began at $1,100 when it was launched, however my configuration would have value $2,100. I discovered this one used on eBay for simply $250.
When it arrived, the ThinkPad was in virtually new situation with none noticeable put on and tear. It even got here with a brand new charger. It booted into the setup course of for a clear set up of Home windows 10 with none points. After utilizing it on Home windows 10 for a couple of days, I had a tough time remembering it was a laptop computer from almost a decade in the past. It actually didn’t really feel like a tool that was prepared for the laptop computer graveyard.
2017 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 5 (as examined)
- Show: 14-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS, 300 nits
- Processor: Intel Core i7-7600U (2 cores, Intel HD Graphics 620)
- Unified reminiscence: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Webcam: 720p
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1
- Ports: 2x USB-C / Thunderbolt 3, 2x USB-A, HDMI 1.4b, microSD card slot, SIM slot, 3.5mm combo audio jack
- Biometrics: Fingerprint reader
- Weight: 2.9 kilos / 1.31kg
- Dimensions: 12.74 x 8.55 x 0.63 inches / 323.5 x 217.1 x 15.95mm
- Battery: 57Wh
- Worth: $2,100 (at launch) / $250 (bought used)
It looks as if this laptop computer ought to be capable to run Home windows 11, however it may’t. Microsoft’s base necessities for Home windows 11 embrace a minimum of 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, a TPM 2.0 safety chip, UEFI Safe Boot, and a 64-bit processor with a minimum of 2 cores working at 1GHz or quicker. My ThinkPad has all of that — besides its processor is one era too outdated. Home windows 11 requires a processor that’s an Intel eighth era or AMD Ryzen 2000, or newer.
Technically it nonetheless works, however persevering with to apply it to Home windows 10 with out safety updates might be dangerous. Even when I made a decision to decide in to Microsoft’s Home windows 10 Prolonged Safety Updates (ESU) program, that may solely get me one further yr of updates, which ends on October thirteenth, 2026. So, whether or not now or later this yr, this laptop computer is shedding assist from Microsoft.
Certain, you may use a software like Rufus or FlyOOBE to improve to Home windows 11 anyway, however that’s nonetheless solely kicking the can down the highway. Bypassing safety necessities might trigger issues with future updates. But in addition, who wants Home windows?
Making the transfer to Linux Mint
I’ve been utilizing Fedora Linux on my gaming PC for over a yr now, however determined to go along with Linux Mint for the ThinkPad. It’s probably the most beginner-friendly Linux distributions because of its stability, simple setup, and default Cinnamon desktop atmosphere, which seems and feels so much like Home windows 10. It’s based mostly on Ubuntu — the most well-liked Linux distribution — which suggests that virtually any app that works in Linux will work proper off the bat. It additionally works nicely on older {hardware}.
The Mint installer was simple to make use of, with just some steps and clear explanations for every one. After about 10 minutes, Home windows 10 was gone and a Linux machine was born.
Mint greeted me with slightly welcome window providing to assist me get began by customizing my desktop theme, checking for updates, or visiting the software program supervisor to seek for apps. Loads of primary apps had been additionally preinstalled, together with Firefox and the entire LibreOffice suite, which is a free, open-source various to Microsoft Workplace.
Home windows 10 was gone and a Linux machine was born
I took my time looking for themes and customizing Cinnamon in between getting Slack and Steam put in. I needed to set up Steam by means of the command line, a course of that may in all probability appear fairly concerned for anybody used to Home windows or macOS. Linux doesn’t have a central app retailer like these working programs do, though there are a pair platforms like Flathub and the Snap Retailer that mimic app shops. So, most apps need to be put in utilizing the command line, typically by simply copy-pasting a command from the app’s obtain web page.
Steam is obtainable in Linux Mint’s default repository, so I might get it with a fast “sudo apt-get set up steam” within the terminal. I didn’t want the command line for Slack, although. I simply downloaded the .deb file from Slack’s web site then put in it utilizing Mint’s built-in GUI software.
Getting all the pieces arrange the best way I like solely took about an hour. After that, I benched my MacBook for the week and turned my consideration to the ThinkPad.
This Linux laptop computer is out of date no extra
A nine-year-old laptop computer can nonetheless shock you.
Once I took the ThinkPad out of the field, I used to be legitimately shocked by how light-weight it’s. In accordance with our authentic evaluation, the ThinkPad weighs 2.9 kilos, about the identical as my 13-inch M4 MacBook Air, which weighs 2.7 kilos. The ThinkPad one way or the other feels just like the lighter laptop computer to me, partly due to its plastic chassis. It won’t look as premium because the MacBook, but it surely doesn’t really feel low cost, both — it’s bolstered with carbon fiber. I didn’t discover any flexing or bending with the ThinkPad’s chassis throughout my time utilizing it.
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It additionally beats my MacBook on ports: two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 3, two USB-A, one HDMI, and a headphone jack. There’s even a mix SIM tray / microSD card slot hidden within the again fringe of the keyboard deck, beside one of many hinges. I used to be in a position to plug within the USB-A dongle for my favourite wi-fi Razer mouse immediately, as a substitute of needing a USB-C hub like I take advantage of for my MacBook. My favourite Bluetooth headphones labored completely with Linux, with none driver or companion app points.
This ThinkPad additionally has probably the most satisfying laptop computer keyboards I’ve ever used, and I’ve tried dozens. You’ll be able to actually really feel the important thing journey if you’re typing. All the media keys and even the enduring trackpoint work as supposed in Linux as nicely.
The webcam and mic work nice in Mint, though you possibly can actually inform they’re from 2017. Video is washed-out and grainy, and the mic audio is mediocre and picks up background noise a bit greater than I’d like. However the webcam and mic are nonetheless clear sufficient to be completely purposeful for one thing like a Google Meet or Zoom name. Likewise, the audio system are a far cry from my MacBook’s, however they’re loud and clear sufficient to get the job executed.
Linux Mint itself carried out nice on the ThinkPad. It additionally has some quality-of-life options preinstalled that make it ideally suited for Linux rookies, like a graphical interface for working updates, which you in any other case must do by means of the terminal. The Cinnamon desktop atmosphere isn’t essentially the most cutting-edge when it comes to design, but it surely works easily and reliably with out draining battery life any quicker than Home windows 10. And it seems so much like Home windows, so it’s very approachable for brand spanking new customers. Customizing Cinnamon is simple, too. Via the system settings, you possibly can add and take away varied themes different customers have made or obtain them and add the theme recordsdata to your “.themes” folder.
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This ThinkPad is not any gaming laptop computer, however I used to be in a position to get a handful of light-weight video games working on it by means of Steam, together with Wildfrost, Useless Cells, Hole Knight, Fields of Mistria, and Rogue Heroes: Ruins of Tasos. All of them ran surprisingly easily, but it surely helps that none of them have demanding graphics.
Fortunately, recreation compatibility wasn’t a problem. Valve’s Proton compatibility layer, which is baked into the Linux model of Steam, permits most Home windows video games to run on Linux, except sure video games that require kernel-level anti-cheat. The battery life on the ThinkPad disappeared each time it was working Steam or a recreation and never plugged into its charger, however gaming will drain the battery on any laptop computer.
Engaged on a nine-year-old ThinkPad isn’t excellent
Sadly, there have been a couple of drawbacks in comparison with a contemporary laptop computer, particularly in the case of battery life. The ThinkPad sometimes lasted round 4 hours per cost on each Linux and Home windows 10, give or take an hour. For comparability, when The Verge initially reviewed this laptop computer, it was getting upwards of eight hours per cost. So, that is one space the place this laptop computer’s age — and its 400-plus battery cycles — actually reveals.
Whereas we didn’t swap it out, we had been capable of finding a substitute battery for round $70, so it’s good to see that that is nonetheless repairable even in any case these years. The screws on the underside of the ThinkPad are additionally simply accessible, which makes changing the battery — or the SSD, or the Wi-Fi card — that a lot simpler.
A few minor points got here up, too. Mint didn’t acknowledge the ThinkPad’s fingerprint reader out of the field. I used to be capable of finding a information to repair this, but it surely required utilizing the terminal to exchange the fingerprint reader drivers.
Due to its a lot slower storage, loading instances for video games and apps are additionally noticeably longer than what I expertise on my MacBook. The ThinkPad additionally slowed down a bit once I had greater than 10 or so browser tabs open directly. Moreover, the underside of the keyboard deck obtained noticeably heat now and again when the ThinkPad was being pushed to its limits.
These drawbacks aren’t deal-breakers for me, although, and had been a comparatively small worth to pay to get the ThinkPad working on an working system that also helps it.
Linux is (generally) the reply to pressured obsolescence
Microsoft’s choice to finish assist for Home windows 10 made thousands and thousands of working units identical to this 2017 ThinkPad out of date. In accordance with Microsoft, customers ought to swap to Home windows 11 for its superior security measures; it consists of assist for virtualization-based safety and makes the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) and UEFI Safe Boot obligatory, each of which make booting up and logging in additional dependable and safe. Whereas these are good options to have, they don’t essentially justify shopping for a brand new pc for many customers.
Discontinuing assist for Home windows 10 has left thousands and thousands of units much less safe than they had been earlier than, and many individuals could not even notice that their completely purposeful Home windows 10 laptop computer is a cybersecurity danger now.
Discontinuing assist for Home windows 10 has left thousands and thousands of units much less safe than they had been earlier than
When you’ve got considered one of these units and might’t or don’t need to substitute it, Linux might be the answer. Linux has develop into considerably simpler to be taught and use as a each day driver over current years, particularly extra beginner-friendly distributions like Mint. It’s additionally extra sturdy than ChromeOS, which is among the commonest alternate options for those who’re searching for a laptop computer below $500, though there are additionally many Home windows 11 laptops obtainable at this worth. Plus, Linux is free.
Linux isn’t for everybody, although. It’s nonetheless extra complicated to make use of than Home windows or macOS, and app compatibility could be a deal-breaker for some folks. I didn’t have any points engaged on my ageing ThinkPad for per week, however I don’t want any apps that aren’t obtainable on Linux, like Adobe apps, Microsoft Workplace, accent companion apps like Razer Synapse, or tax apps like H&R Block.
There are methods round this, like working Home windows apps by means of a compatibility program like Wine, however efficiency can fluctuate from one app to a different. There are additionally alternate options to many apps that aren’t natively obtainable on Linux. As an example, you may use the online variations of Microsoft Workplace apps or attempt LibreOffice as a substitute. Equally, GIMP, Darktable, RawTherapee, Kdenlive, Inkscape, and LibreOffice Draw can all be alternate options to some Adobe apps. They won’t be a viable answer for everybody, however they’re price contemplating.
When you don’t have any app boundaries that may make Linux a no-go and also you don’t want a very highly effective laptop computer, an older, former Home windows laptop computer working Linux might get the job executed, save a laptop computer from the landfill, and prevent cash on the similar time.
I like to recommend searching for a Lenovo laptop computer, since they’ve the very best monitor file of working nicely on Linux. Used enterprise laptops like this ThinkPad X1 Carbon can typically be a very good selection, though a extra trendy mannequin would in all probability be a good suggestion, like one thing from the ThinkPad T14 or P14 lineups. Used Dell and HP enterprise laptops may also be good choices.
You’re not locked into one working system managed by one firm
When you’re new to Linux, you may discover the big variety of variations, referred to as distributions or “distros,” slightly overwhelming at first. For many new Linux customers, it’s greatest to begin with one thing widespread and simple to arrange, like Mint. Ubuntu, Fedora, Zorin, and Pop may also be good distros for rookies.
However the good factor about having so many choices is that for those who ever desire a completely different look in your laptop computer or completely different options, you possibly can simply set up a brand new distribution. You’re not locked into one working system managed by one firm.
Earlier than switching to Linux, it’s additionally a good suggestion to learn a bit about how the command line works and how you can set up apps on Linux so you realize the fundamentals that will help you get off to a easy begin.
Previous laptops aren’t at all times out of date laptops
Even for those who don’t plan on attempting Linux, shopping for a used laptop computer over a brand new one might nonetheless be a cheaper choice, particularly for those who’re on a finances. There are many trendy Home windows 11 laptops and Chromebooks obtainable for below $500. Sadly, one massive disadvantage with these is that you simply’re probably going to get a lot much less storage and RAM than you may be capable to get with a used laptop computer, particularly with RAM and storage costs on the rise.
An older laptop computer like this ThinkPad X1 Carbon might be a viable choice for those who’re looking for a laptop computer on a sub-$500 finances, however you could have to pay attention to what you’re signing up for. You will get loads of RAM and storage at a cut price worth on an older laptop computer, however you’ll be sacrificing some efficiency since these laptops even have older processors, though it relies upon what your alternate options are. The efficiency hole isn’t as important as you may anticipate in comparison with equally priced trendy laptops.
I ran Geekbench 6 a couple of instances on the ThinkPad, and its Intel Core i7-7600U processor averaged 1260 on the single-core take a look at and 2322 on the multi-core take a look at. Its single-core efficiency retains up surprisingly nicely in comparison with the processors in trendy laptops across the similar worth level. As an example, the Intel Core i3-N305 within the Acer Spin 14 has a single-core rating of 1142 on Geekbench 6 and the AMD Ryzen 5 7520U within the Acer Aspire 3 has a rating of 1169, each decrease than what the Core i7-7600U averaged.
Sadly, the Core i7-7600U lags rather more on multi-core efficiency, because it solely has two cores. That is the place the Geekbench outcomes present a a lot wider hole: 4192 for the eight-core Intel Core i3-N305 and 3679 for the Ryzen 5 7520U, in comparison with simply 2322 for the Core i7-7600U.
So that you’re not sacrificing a lot, if something, when it comes to single-core efficiency by going for an older laptop computer just like the ThinkPad over a contemporary finances laptop computer. Nevertheless, you’ll be giving up some multi-core efficiency. When you’re simply doing internet searching or working in Google Docs, that in all probability gained’t be a problem.
For many individuals the elevated RAM and storage in an older laptop computer is price greater than slightly further uncooked efficiency. Fashionable finances laptops, just like the Acer fashions talked about above, could have quicker CPUs, however they’ll virtually at all times have half as a lot RAM and storage as one thing like our used ThinkPad, which may have a extra direct influence on on a regular basis use than processing energy.
Pressured obsolescence isn’t the top
Earlier than becoming a member of The Verge late final yr, I didn’t have a laptop computer that would run Home windows 11 or macOS. All I had, apart from my desktop PC, was a 2017 HP laptop computer working Home windows 10. I’d logged numerous hours writing on that laptop computer, spent lengthy nights taking part in Minecraft on it with my associates, introduced it together with me by means of school and a number of internships. But it surely was getting outdated, and I might inform — the battery life was getting terrible (two to a few hours max), it was working noticeably scorching, and it wasn’t going to be eligible for Home windows 11.
I couldn’t afford a brand new laptop computer on the time, however because of Linux, I didn’t have to. I spent a day changing my laptop computer’s battery and putting in Fedora on it. Once I booted it again up, it was working a lot cooler and smoother and getting round 5 hours of battery life. Placing Linux on that laptop computer gave it a second life, saved me a whole bunch of {dollars}, and allowed me to maintain utilizing a laptop computer that had come a great distance with me over time. The identical method additionally saved this ThinkPad from pointless obsolescence.
Microsoft will warn you in your gadget’s updates menu for those who’re not eligible for Home windows 11, however what it gained’t let you know is that Home windows isn’t your solely choice. Linux may be a bit extra difficult to be taught and use, however it may additionally provide the freedom to determine for your self when it’s time to improve your laptop computer.
My ThinkPad won’t be capable to run Home windows 11, but it surely’s removed from out of date.
Comply with proceed: Linux Mint
Each sensible gadget now requires you to conform to a sequence of phrases and circumstances earlier than you should use it — contracts that nobody really reads. It’s unimaginable for us to learn and analyze each single considered one of these agreements. However we’re going to begin counting precisely what number of instances you must hit “agree” to make use of units once we evaluation them since these are agreements most individuals don’t learn and undoubtedly can’t negotiate.
To put in and use Linux Mint, you must conform to:
Linux Mint is free and open supply. You’ll be able to set up proprietary software program on Mint, a few of which can include person agreements, however none are required to put in and use the working system itself.
[M]ost if not all (relying on the version) software program utilized in Linux Mint is Free and Open Supply. We imagine in Open Supply as a selection, not as a constraint. We expect it is sensible to share code, to credit score the know-how we use, to let folks assist us, to permit others to construct upon what we’re making and to allow progress on the whole. We additionally take pleasure in sharing with the group, so we license our software program below the GPL and the overwhelming majority of elements we use are Free and Open Supply.
Ultimate tally: Zero obligatory agreements.
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