Compare 60 ThinkPad models you can buy used, by Lenovo’s official specs and typical used prices. Prices for the same model can more than double depending on CPU and memory, so they are shown per configuration.
Start with these three
Chosen for development on Omarchy: 16GB of memory, a 14-inch screen, and a camera that works on a stock Omarchy install.
1The safe pick
ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9
Light, a taller screen, and easy to find at a fair price
✓A 14-inch 16:10 (1920×1200) screen shows more lines of code. 1.13 kg in its lightest configuration
✓No MIPI camera option, so the camera works on a stock Omarchy install (MIPI options start with the Gen 10)
✓Plenty of used units, so 16GB configurations are easy to find. Lenovo sold it with Fedora preinstalled
Display
14" 16:10
Weight (lightest)
1.133 kg
Memory
Soldered, up to 32GB. Not upgradable
SSD
M.2 2280, 1 slot. Replaceable
Camera
No MIPI option
Typical price, 16GB+
$260
Core i5-1135G7 / 16GB, median of 13 sales
Watch out for: Memory is soldered, so buy a 16GB configuration
2Built to upgrade
ThinkPad T14 Gen 5 (AMD)
Add memory and storage yourself, later
✓Two SO-DIMM slots, up to 64GB. Nothing is soldered, so you can buy 16GB and swap in 32GB or 64GB later (the first T14 without soldered memory)
✓The SSD is a standard-length M.2 2280, so you can swap in a larger off-the-shelf drive
✓With the Ryzen 7 PRO 8840U you get Radeon 780M graphics, “strong” in this guide’s grouping. Being AMD, it has no MIPI camera option. Lenovo sold it with Fedora or Ubuntu preinstalled
Display
14" 16:10
Weight (lightest)
1.31 kg
Memory
2 slots, up to 64GB. Fully replaceable
SSD
M.2 2280, 1 slot. Replaceable
Camera
No MIPI option
Typical price, 16GB+
$470
Ryzen 5 PRO 8540U / 16GB, median of 1 sales
Watch out for: A recent generation, so used units are scarce and prices run high. The Ryzen 5 has Radeon 740M graphics
3Best on a budget
ThinkPad T14s Gen 1 (AMD)
16GB on a budget, with plenty of cores
✓Its 16GB configuration is among the cheaper ones in this guide, and used units are plentiful
✓Even the Ryzen 5 PRO 4650U has 6 cores and 12 threads, good for running tests and builds in parallel
✓Being AMD, it has neither a MIPI camera option nor an NVIDIA dGPU. 14 inches and 1.27 kg
Display
14" 16:9
Weight (lightest)
1.27 kg
Memory
Soldered, up to 32GB. Not upgradable
SSD
M.2 2242 / 2280, 1 slot. Replaceable
Camera
No MIPI option
Typical price, 16GB+
$140
Ryzen 5 PRO 4650U / 16GB, median of 53 sales
Watch out for: A 16:9 screen and a 720p camera. Single-core speed trails newer generations
59 models(of 60; Snapdragon models are excluded because Omarchy does not install on them)
Currency
Price scale (same scale as the bars on each card)Box = budget · Thick band = range across configs · Dot = cheapest config with 16GB+
Web & app developmentGame dev (Godot, Unity)Photo & designGaming (Steam / Proton)
Display
14″ 16:9 · touch
Weight
1.47 kg~
Memory
Up to 48GB, upgradable
SSD
M.2 2242 / 2280, 1 slot
Ports
TB×2 A×2 HDMI LAN microSD
✓Lenovo sold it with Linux preinstalled (Ubuntu Linux)
!Some configurations have an NVIDIA dGPU (MX450). Omarchy installs nvidia-open and has a hybrid GPU switch; the Hyprland wiki lists monitors on the NVIDIA GPU and suspend/resume as known issues
Web & app developmentHeavy Docker & VMsGame dev (Godot, Unity)Photo & designVideo editingGaming (Steam / Proton)
Display
14″ 16:10 · touch
Weight
1.358 kg~
Memory
Up to 48GB, upgradable
SSD
M.2 2280, 1 slot
Ports
TB×2 A×2 HDMI LAN
✓Lenovo sold it with Linux preinstalled (Ubuntu Linux)
!Some configurations have an NVIDIA dGPU (MX550). Omarchy installs nvidia-open and has a hybrid GPU switch; the Hyprland wiki lists monitors on the NVIDIA GPU and suspend/resume as known issues
Web & app developmentHeavy Docker & VMsGame dev (Godot, Unity)Photo & designVideo editingGaming (Steam / Proton)
Display
14″ 16:10 · OLED · touch
Weight
1.32 kg~
Memory
Up to 40GB, upgradable
SSD
M.2 2280, 1 slot
Ports
TB×2 A×2 HDMI LAN
✓Lenovo sold it with Linux preinstalled (Ubuntu Linux)
!Some configurations have an NVIDIA dGPU (MX550). Omarchy installs nvidia-open and has a hybrid GPU switch; the Hyprland wiki lists monitors on the NVIDIA GPU and suspend/resume as known issues
!Some configurations have a MIPI camera (FHD 1080p + IR discrete). It does not work on a stock Omarchy install (you set up libcamera yourself). For a used unit, look up its model number in PSREF to check the camera
!Face login (IR camera) is not part of Omarchy’s setup (fingerprint and FIDO2 keys are)
Web & app developmentHeavy Docker & VMsPhoto & design
Display
14″ 16:10 · OLED · touch
Weight
1.12 kg~
Memory
Up to 32GB, soldered
SSD
M.2 2280, 1 slot
Ports
TB×2 A×2 HDMI
✓Lenovo sold it with Linux preinstalled (Fedora Linux / Ubuntu Linux)
!Some configurations have a MIPI camera (FHD 1080p + IR discrete). It does not work on a stock Omarchy install (you set up libcamera yourself). For a used unit, look up its model number in PSREF to check the camera
Web & app developmentHeavy Docker & VMsPhoto & design
Display
13″ 16:10 · touch
Weight
0.9665 kg~
Memory
Up to 32GB, soldered
SSD
M.2 2242, 1 slot
Ports
TB×2
✓Lenovo sold it with Linux preinstalled (Ubuntu Linux)
!Some configurations have a MIPI camera (FHD 1080p + IR discrete). It does not work on a stock Omarchy install (you set up libcamera yourself). For a used unit, look up its model number in PSREF to check the camera
Web & app developmentHeavy Docker & VMsPhoto & design
Display
14″ 16:10 · OLED · touch
Weight
1.12 kg~
Memory
Up to 64GB, soldered
SSD
M.2 2280, 1 slot
Ports
TB×2 A×2 HDMI
✓Lenovo sold it with Linux preinstalled (Fedora Linux / Ubuntu Linux)
!Some configurations have a MIPI camera (FHD 1080p + IR discrete). It does not work on a stock Omarchy install (you set up libcamera yourself). For a used unit, look up its model number in PSREF to check the camera
✓Lenovo sold it with Linux preinstalled (Fedora Linux / Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.4 (certified only) / Ubuntu Linux LTS / Ubuntu Linux with Data Science Preload)
!Some configurations have an NVIDIA dGPU (RTX 3080 / RTX A5000 / RTX A2000). Omarchy installs nvidia-open and has a hybrid GPU switch; the Hyprland wiki lists monitors on the NVIDIA GPU and suspend/resume as known issues
Web & app developmentHeavy Docker & VMsGame dev (Godot, Unity)Photo & designVideo editingGaming (Steam / Proton)
Display
14″ 16:10 · OLED · 120Hz · touch
Weight
1.08 kg~
Memory
Up to 64GB, soldered
SSD
M.2 2280, 1 slot
Ports
TB×2 A×2 HDMI
✓Lenovo sold it with Linux preinstalled (Fedora Linux / Ubuntu Linux)
!Some configurations have a MIPI camera (UHD 8.0MP + IR discrete). It does not work on a stock Omarchy install (you set up libcamera yourself). For a used unit, look up its model number in PSREF to check the camera
✓Lenovo sold it with Linux preinstalled (Fedora Linux / Ubuntu Linux LTS / Ubuntu Linux with Data Science Preload / Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.6 (certified only))
!Some configurations have an NVIDIA dGPU (RTX 3070 Ti / RTX 3080 Ti / RTX A1000). Omarchy installs nvidia-open and has a hybrid GPU switch; the Hyprland wiki lists monitors on the NVIDIA GPU and suspend/resume as known issues
✓Lenovo sold it with Linux preinstalled (Fedora Linux / Ubuntu Linux LTS / Ubuntu Linux with Data Science Preload / Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9.2 (certified only))
!Some configurations have an NVIDIA dGPU (RTX 4060 / RTX 4080 / RTX 4090). Omarchy installs nvidia-open and has a hybrid GPU switch; the Hyprland wiki lists monitors on the NVIDIA GPU and suspend/resume as known issues
✓Lenovo sold it with Linux preinstalled (Fedora Linux / Ubuntu Linux LTS / Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9.2 (certified only))
!Some configurations have an NVIDIA dGPU (RTX 4060 / RTX 4070 / RTX 1000 Ada Generation). Omarchy installs nvidia-open and has a hybrid GPU switch; the Hyprland wiki lists monitors on the NVIDIA GPU and suspend/resume as known issues
$1,250–$1,450 by configPremium with 16GB+ ($1,450)
Web & app developmentHeavy Docker & VMsGame dev (Godot, Unity)Photo & designVideo editingGaming (Steam / Proton)
Display
14″ 16:10 · OLED · 120Hz · touch
Weight
0.986 kg~
Memory
Up to 64GB, soldered
SSD
M.2 2280, 1 slot
Ports
TB×2 A×2 HDMI
✓Lenovo sold it with Linux preinstalled (Fedora Linux / Ubuntu Linux)
!Some configurations have a MIPI camera (UHD 8.0MP + IR discrete). It does not work on a stock Omarchy install (you set up libcamera yourself). For a used unit, look up its model number in PSREF to check the camera
Web & app developmentHeavy Docker & VMsGame dev (Godot, Unity)Photo & designVideo editingGaming (Steam / Proton)
Display
14″ 16:10 · OLED · 120Hz · touch
Weight
1.38 kg~
Memory
Up to 64GB, upgradable
SSD
M.2 2280, 1 slot
Ports
TB×2 A×2 HDMI LAN
✓Lenovo sold it with Linux preinstalled (Fedora Linux / Ubuntu Linux)
!Face login (IR camera) is not part of Omarchy’s setup (fingerprint and FIDO2 keys are)
What to look at
Memory is often fixed at purchase
Soldered memory cannot be upgraded later. Models with an SO-DIMM slot (such as the T14 Gen 5 and P14s Gen 5) can be. Use the “Upgradable memory” filter.
The same model came with different panels
Many models were offered with a standard 300-nit panel as well as 400-nit-plus or OLED panels. Used units vary, so check the part number or the screen itself. Each model’s details list the panels it shipped with.
Compare configurations, not generations
A high-end configuration of an older generation can cost about the same as a base configuration of a newer one. The dot on each price bar (the cheapest configuration with the memory you need) makes this easy to compare.
Check the ports in the photos
The T14 and P14s have a built-in Ethernet port; the X1 Carbon and T14s need a USB-C adapter. Switch the photo angle to “Left side” or “Right side” to compare port layouts across every model.
Omarchy and Hyprland compatibility
Omarchy installs a setup centred on Hyprland (a Wayland window manager) on top of Arch Linux. These points matter when choosing a model.
Pick Intel or AMD
The official Omarchy ISO is x86_64 only. Snapdragon (ARM) ThinkPads do not install the official way, so they are left out of the list.
Where Intel and AMD differ
Both have open-source GPU drivers in Linux, and Omarchy installs the Vulkan driver for either during installation, so neither is harder to set up. The differences are in the parts around them. Of the 59 models in this guide (29 Intel, 30 AMD), all 6 with a MIPI camera option and all 11 with an NVIDIA dGPU option are Intel. 18 of 30 AMD models and 7 of 29 Intel models have an integrated GPU this guide rates as “strong”. If you want to avoid the camera and NVIDIA caveats from the start, AMD is the sure choice.
Avoid MIPI camera configurations
PSREF lists a MIPI camera option for the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10, ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11, ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12, ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition, ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2, ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3. MIPI cameras go through Intel’s IPU (image processing unit), and on Linux they only show a black or green picture in the browser unless they go through libcamera. Omarchy sets up IPU7 cameras but not IPU6 ones yet (a change was under review as of October 2026). The same model also came with non-MIPI cameras, so look up a used unit’s model number in PSREF. The “No MIPI camera” filter in the list leaves them out.
NVIDIA works, with known issues
Omarchy detects NVIDIA GPUs during installation and installs the driver (nvidia-open for Turing and newer, the legacy 580 driver for Maxwell to Volta such as the GeForce MX150). ThinkPads with a dGPU drive the screen from the integrated GPU, and Omarchy has a menu for switching hybrid graphics. The Hyprland wiki notes that NVIDIA’s proprietary drivers can cause problems Hyprland cannot fix, and lists monitors attached to the NVIDIA GPU and resuming from suspend as known issues.
Fingerprint rather than face login
Omarchy’s menu sets up fingerprint login (sudo and the lock screen) and FIDO2 keys. Face login with an IR camera is not included, so an IR camera is not a reason to pick a model.
2-in-1s need manual rotation
On 2-in-1s like the X1 Yoga, screen rotation is not automatic and has to be set up by hand.
The letter is the series, the number is the screen size in inches, and “s” means slim.
Price vs. specs map
How new or how light a model your money can buy. Models above the dotted line are the best value at their price.
Vertical axis
The dotted line marks models with nothing newer at a lower price. Click a dot for details. Models without a price estimate and Snapdragon models are not shown.
Release timeline
Which model replaced which, and what came out in the same year.
Announcement dates from Lenovo PSREF. Prices are typical for configurations with 16GB+
The official Omarchy ISO is x86_64 only. Intel and AMD ThinkPads install the official way. Snapdragon (ARM) ThinkPads do not.
Can I use Omarchy on a ThinkPad with an NVIDIA GPU?
Omarchy detects NVIDIA GPUs during installation and installs the driver: nvidia-open for Turing and newer, and the legacy 580 driver for Maxwell to Volta (such as the GeForce MX150). ThinkPads with a dGPU drive the screen from the integrated GPU, and Omarchy has a menu for switching hybrid graphics. The Hyprland wiki lists monitors attached to the NVIDIA GPU and resuming from suspend as known issues, so check them if you rely on external monitors.
Does the ThinkPad camera work on Omarchy?
On most ThinkPads, yes, out of the box. The exception is configurations whose camera Lenovo’s PSREF lists as MIPI (some X1 Carbon Gen 10 to 13 and X1 Nano Gen 2 and 3 units). Those cameras go through Intel’s IPU, and as of October 2026 Omarchy does not set up IPU6 cameras, so they stay dark until you install and configure libcamera yourself. AMD ThinkPads have no MIPI camera options.
Is an Intel or an AMD ThinkPad better for Omarchy?
Both have open-source GPU drivers in Linux, and Omarchy installs the Vulkan driver for either, so neither is harder to set up. The differences are in the parts around them: among the models in this guide, only Intel models have MIPI camera options or NVIDIA dGPU options, and many AMD models from the Ryzen 6000 series on offer strong integrated graphics such as the Radeon 680M. If you want to avoid the camera and NVIDIA caveats, AMD is the sure choice.
Do fingerprint and face login work on Omarchy?
Fingerprint login can be set up from the Omarchy menu for sudo and the lock screen, as long as libfprint supports the sensor. FIDO2 keys can be set up too. Face login with an IR camera is not part of Omarchy’s setup.
Which configuration should I buy used?
Prices for the same model can more than double depending on CPU and memory. Many models have soldered memory that cannot be upgraded later, so buy the amount you need up front: 16GB or more for development, 32GB or more for heavy Docker or VM use. Models with an SO-DIMM slot can be upgraded later.
Where do the price estimates come from?
They are medians for each CPU and memory combination, taken from used sales in Japan over the 120 days to 4 October 2026, excluding junk, parts and bundles. US dollar figures use 158 yen to the dollar. Condition and accessories move prices, so treat them as a guide.
Get comfortable with the terminal
Omarchy is driven by the terminal and the keyboard. WebTerm Learn lets you practise the terminal, Vim and tmux right in your browser.
Specs, product photos and port diagrams: Lenovo PSREF (Product Specifications Reference). Each model page links to the original. psref.lenovo.com
Typical used prices: medians per CPU and memory combination from used sales in Japan over the 120 days to 2026-10-04, excluding junk, parts and bundles. Dollar figures use 158 yen to the dollar.
Announcement dates: the earliest announce date of the model in PSREF’s model list.
Lenovo and ThinkPad are trademarks of Lenovo. This page is not affiliated with Lenovo.
