Under “Lenovo branded models” is a giant table of all the variants of each model (CPU, display, etc). It also tells you whether the RAM is socketed or soldered, and whether they have external batteries. To gauge performance I just look up the CPU for the model I considered on a CPU benchmark site. Take those with a grain of salt, but they are good for generalizing performance.
I ultimately settled for a Thinkpad T580 (instead of the smaller T480), since I like large 15" laptops, I liked the port layout, and I liked the hot swap dual battery system (also available on T480, T570, T470, and other earlier models). It also has socketed ram and USB C charging. Performance isn’t great for most gaming, but it is very good for browsing and office work.
I picked mine by referring to the Wikipedia articles for the “good” Thinkpad series (T, P series mainly). Here’s the one for T series: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ThinkPad_T_series
Under “Lenovo branded models” is a giant table of all the variants of each model (CPU, display, etc). It also tells you whether the RAM is socketed or soldered, and whether they have external batteries. To gauge performance I just look up the CPU for the model I considered on a CPU benchmark site. Take those with a grain of salt, but they are good for generalizing performance.
I ultimately settled for a Thinkpad T580 (instead of the smaller T480), since I like large 15" laptops, I liked the port layout, and I liked the hot swap dual battery system (also available on T480, T570, T470, and other earlier models). It also has socketed ram and USB C charging. Performance isn’t great for most gaming, but it is very good for browsing and office work.