40 years ago, a new paradigm

[dm319]

Yes, my T40 was expensive also. Back then laptops were pretty unreliable things, and almost every model had a custom keyboard layout, with quite significant variation between key width and placement. The T40 looked plastic on the outside, but had a magnesium subframe, and a carbon fibre lid. It ran for just under 10 years, when one day I dropped it one too many times and the screen hinge sheared off. Even though it was expensive, I got nearly 10 years of usability from it, and the Thinkpads back then were very upgradable. It still works as far as I know, though I had to replace the screen on top. I've just dragged it out the garage - I probably shouldn't leave it in there, but it was working a few years ago when I last checked.

I think we live in a different era now. As Albert says, you can pick up amazing laptops for little money, and they tend to be reliable these days, so not much need to pay a premium. Also, keyboard designs are generally standardised now, although there is some variation in key feel.