I have had a Lenovo Thinkpad T420 for probably around two years. Last November (2012) I began having power issues. Lenovo sent me a new battery (for free) and that solved the issue for a few months. The issue (laptop would only work while plugged in) came up again and then once again. Right now the laptop is in their repair depo and the technicians are "looking into the problem." So far I haven't been charged a penny and have been impressed with the free UPS overnight/next-day air delivery.
I'm worried that they won't be able to do much so I have started doing research for a new laptop. I haven't really been keeping up with the latest and greatest these past rough 2 years.
I'd probably run Ubuntu on the machine...here is what I currently have. Obviously, I don't want to "downgrade."
Processor 2.5GHz Intel Core i5-2520M Memory 8GB Hard drive 320GB, 5,400rpm Chipset Intel QM67 Graphics Nvidia NVS 4200M / Intel HD 3000 (Optimus)
It's a mighty fine computer for getting my tasks done....internet, office processing, light programming, online video/music -- no hardcore video editing, ripping, etc.
**If you would have to pick a laptop RIGHT NOW what exact model would it be? I would appreciate a laptop that looks a bit sleeker than my thinkpad. **