Is this a good plan? The main concern is the absence of AC adapters.
Is this a good plan? The main concern is the absence of AC adapters.
I come from the US and am seeking an affordable second laptop to use for my electronics projects. Many of the programs needed for certain hardware, such as chip programmers, aren't fully trusted, and I don't want them on the same machine where sensitive accounts are stored. I need a dedicated second unit to keep in the cabinet with my other electronics and soldering tools, rather than constantly moving it around with my main laptop. This way, I can avoid mixing diagnostic and electronics software with games or unrelated programs.
I'm considering a used Lenovo Thinkpad from eBay, ideally from at least the 8th generation, so I can upgrade to Windows 11 and avoid obsolescence after 2025 when Windows 10 reaches its end of life. I won't be gaming on it, so the GPU isn't a priority, and the software shouldn't heavily strain the CPU—perhaps only digital oscilloscope programs that handle large data transfers over USB.
I plan to go for an enterprise model like a Thinkpad, since these are typically cheaper used options and are more likely to be repairable. They usually have more ports, which would be useful for connecting to equipment.
I've seen many listings priced between $80 and $150, but some lack RAM or a hard drive—this isn't a big issue for me since I can install my own. However, missing batteries and AC adapters are a problem for many. (How do people sell hundreds of old corporate laptops without AC chargers or batteries?) Also, concerns about BIOS locks or Computrace settings are present.
The absence of an AC adapter and battery makes the laptop seem less useful, especially if it lacks power supply. Getting a new battery is usually not worth it due to high costs and unreliable options. I'm worried about finding official batteries or cheap, questionable ones.
Missing AC adapters and batteries seems to push the laptop into an "useless" category for me. What should I do if it has no battery or charger? Even without the AC adapter, that's a major concern.
I've also noticed that many listings don't have dedicated charging ports, only USB-C. Is this a standard or proprietary charging method? Can I use any adapter that provides sufficient power, or is there a risk of rejection like with older chargers?
This raises questions about whether purchasing a used Thinkpad is the best path, or if there are better options. Should I look for alternatives in the US, or explore other platforms? My main concern is securing a laptop with a battery and charger without overspending or risking reliability.
If the laptop is only meant to stay "in a cabinet," I’d recommend searching for an older desktop or even an all-in-one model.
There’s no risk of battery or charger problems, and a desktop is usually cheaper.
It’s possible someone might have an old one they’d be happy to lend you.
Check around for options.
A desktop also offers more flexibility if future upgrades are necessary, such as adding more RAM.
Although a desktop might not fit directly in a cabinet, keeping it in use continuously makes more sense.
It’s simpler and better to set it up and leave it there, ensuring it stays accessible.
You might also consider a rack mount solution—DIY or otherwise—that could be useful for your projects.
Try searching online for "DIY computer rack mounts" and adjust the search as needed to find relevant ideas.
It’s a bit of work, but worth it.
Buying a used Thinkpad is a smart choice for a limited budget, as you're likely to face fewer issues compared to other brands at the same cost.
To be clear, I plan to store it in the same cabinet as my other electronics tools. However, I will remove it along with any other items while working on them, as it won’t stay permanently inside. I meant to treat it as part of the rest, not as a separate laptop for other tasks.
I'm not sure about what you're referring to. I'll need a Windows PC for some of the hardware I'm working with—it's not just for searching online. The chip programmer will need to be connected to a PC, and I'm thinking about starting with a budget oscilloscope that connects to one instead of being a standalone model with its own screen for now. Depending on the video microscope I'm using, I might need to connect it to a PC as well.
And the cabinet is just to keep everything organized and make it easy to move around to where I need it in one place, because I know the tools will end up all over the house and I won't find what I'm looking for if I don't keep them together.
Ahh....
"Simple to relocate them"
Not a static cabinet like in a workshop.
A rolling or movable cabinet with doors and drawers – correct?
Similar to what they use in hospitals or other technical settings. Or hotels with rolling video presentation gear. A mobile "tool" chest.
You "go onsite" to take out what you need and work. Finish, pack up, and move on to the next project.
A laptop would really be a better option then.
👍
You're working with the remnants of a corporate fleet, already through the eyes of the cubicle crowd.
Those who managed the remaining laptops took the AC adapter to install at their desks, at home, and in their travel bags. The same applies to the batteries.
For better results, try a local seller who sells a single laptop—it will still come with the battery and cord.