Two weeks ago, I set aside my sleek M4 MacBook Air and opted for a nine-year-old ThinkPad, a device that belongs to the estimated 200 to 400 million Windows 10 PCs that don’t meet Microsoft’s stringent requirements for Windows 11. With Microsoft officially ending support for Windows 10 last October, many users found themselves with devices deemed “obsolete.” Microsoft’s solution? A new computer capable of running Windows 11. However, this approach doesn’t resonate with everyone, especially when considering that many of these older machines remain entirely functional.
My ThinkPad, like countless others, still handles everyday tasks with ease. From web browsing and writing in Google Docs to engaging with colleagues on Slack and even indulging in some gaming on Steam, it defies the notion of retirement. The key lies in rejecting Microsoft’s narrative. While it is indeed unsafe to remain on Windows 10 due to the cessation of security updates, there’s no rule stating that this laptop must run Windows at all. Enter Linux, an operating system that thrives on older hardware, remains actively maintained, and offers a lifeline to millions of computers facing premature obsolescence.
The spec that blocked my laptop from running Windows 11
This narrative unfolds on a Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 5, equipped with 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and a 7th-gen Intel Core i7-7600U processor. Once heralded as a high-end, ultra-portable workhorse, it boasted impressive battery life and a lightweight design. Originally priced at ,100, I acquired this gem for just 0 on eBay, and upon arrival, it was in near-mint condition, complete with a new charger.
Booting into Windows 10 was seamless, and after a few days of use, it was hard to believe I was working on a nearly decade-old device. Yet, despite its capabilities, it falls short of Microsoft’s requirements for Windows 11, which mandates a processor from the 8th generation or newer. While it technically still functions, the lack of security updates poses a risk. Even opting into Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program would only extend support for one additional year, leading to the inevitable conclusion that this laptop is losing support.
Making the move to Linux Mint
Having previously used Fedora Linux on my gaming PC, I decided to install Linux Mint on the ThinkPad. Renowned for its user-friendliness, stability, and resemblance to Windows 10, Mint is based on Ubuntu, ensuring compatibility with a wide array of applications. The installation process was straightforward, taking about ten minutes to replace Windows 10 with Linux Mint.
Upon installation, Mint welcomed me with a user-friendly interface, offering customization options and access to a software manager. Preinstalled applications like Firefox and the LibreOffice suite provided a solid foundation for productivity. Customizing the desktop environment was enjoyable, and installing applications such as Slack and Steam was a breeze, despite the occasional need for command-line usage.
This Linux laptop is obsolete no more
Unpacking the ThinkPad was a pleasant surprise; its lightweight design made it feel almost as nimble as my MacBook Air. While it may not boast the same premium aesthetic, the carbon fiber construction ensures durability without compromising on feel. The array of ports available on the ThinkPad outshines my MacBook, providing ample connectivity options.
The keyboard, a standout feature, offers satisfying tactile feedback, enhancing the typing experience. Although the webcam and microphone reveal their age with grainy video and mediocre audio quality, they remain functional for virtual meetings. Overall, Linux Mint performed admirably on the ThinkPad, with a user-friendly graphical interface for updates and a smooth, reliable experience that mirrors Windows without draining battery life excessively.
Working on a nine-year-old ThinkPad isn’t perfect
However, the transition to Linux wasn’t without its challenges. Battery life, for instance, has diminished over time, averaging around four hours per charge—significantly less than the eight hours promised at launch. While the option to replace the battery exists, it highlights the age of the device. Additionally, minor issues arose, such as the fingerprint reader requiring manual driver updates and longer loading times for applications compared to modern counterparts.
Linux is (sometimes) the answer to forced obsolescence
Microsoft’s decision to discontinue support for Windows 10 has rendered countless devices, including my ThinkPad, obsolete in the eyes of many. While Windows 11 offers enhanced security features, the necessity of purchasing a new computer is not a universal solution. For those unwilling or unable to upgrade, Linux presents a viable alternative, particularly distributions like Mint that cater to beginners.
Though Linux may not suit everyone, its growing accessibility and compatibility with older hardware make it an attractive option for extending the life of aging laptops. For those who find themselves in a similar predicament, exploring Linux could save a device from the landfill while providing a cost-effective computing solution.
Old laptops aren’t always obsolete laptops
Opting for a used laptop can be a financially savvy decision, especially for budget-conscious consumers. While modern Windows 11 laptops and Chromebooks are available at competitive prices, they often come with limited storage and RAM compared to older models. A used ThinkPad X1 Carbon, for example, can offer substantial RAM and storage at a fraction of the cost, making it a compelling choice for those willing to embrace its limitations.
In my experience, the single-core performance of the ThinkPad’s Intel Core i7-7600U processor holds up well against contemporary budget laptops, though its multi-core capabilities lag behind. For users primarily engaged in web browsing or document editing, the performance gap may be negligible, making older laptops a practical option.
Forced obsolescence is not the end
My journey with the ThinkPad has been a testament to the potential of older technology. By installing Linux, I breathed new life into a device that had served me well over the years. The experience underscores a crucial point: while Microsoft may signal the end of support for certain operating systems, alternatives like Linux allow users to redefine their relationship with technology, empowering them to decide when it’s truly time to upgrade.
Agree to continue: Linux Mint
Every smart device now requires you to agree to a series of terms and conditions before you can use it — contracts that no one actually reads. It’s impossible for us to read and analyze every single one of these agreements. But we’re going to start counting exactly how many times you have to hit “agree” to use devices when we review them since these are agreements most people don’t read and definitely can’t negotiate.
To install and use Linux Mint, you have to agree to:
- Linux Mint is free and open source. You can install proprietary software on Mint, some of which may come with user agreements, but none are required to install and use the operating system itself.
[M]ost if not all (depending on the edition) software used in Linux Mint is Free and Open Source. We believe in Open Source as a choice, not as a constraint. We think it makes sense to share code, to credit the technology we use, to let people help us, to allow others to build upon what we are making and to enable progress in general. We also enjoy sharing with the community, so we license our software under the GPL and the vast majority of components we use are Free and Open Source.
Final tally: Zero mandatory agreements.
