Ask HN: Tips for a work laptop

* 16GB RAM

* ~ 13 inches screen (super portable)

* no Apple (I use to be a big apple user, I wanted something different)

For a work computer, price was not a factor given what we bill daily.

2 series came up: * Thinkpad X * Dell XPS

I ended up with a HiDPI 14 inch X1 Carbon running Debian+XFCE. I can't fault the hardware.

In terms of Software though, linux's user interfaces (tried more than XFCE) are not on par with OSX but I'm still very happy.

The Thinkpad are built like tanks and look pro. That settled my choice.

The Dell XPS seem to have really great reviews from users as well.

Personally: Currently I don't own a laptop, I have a desktop instead, since I wanted to play games and, very sincerely, I don't work that well outside my controlled environment. I'd just use the laptop to surf and that I can do on a cellphone.

I'm also very fond of external monitor, mouse and keyboard. The most interesting laptop for me would be one that plugged easy in and out of a dock.

That said, 95%+ of the folks here will recommend a modern Apple notebook, due to its excellent battery life, build quality, operating system and good resale value.