Now that is a beast of a machine! What do you use it for?

Currently, for large Java projects. I use IntelliJ, eclipse, SQL Server, Javascript (VS Code for those) , DBeaver for easy db queries, Beyond Compare, NotePad++, Teams, Slack and Brave just to name a few. Most of them are running on a permanent basis. During dev sessions I use more than 50% RAM, but the CPU is idling. These machines are really tough. Anyway, before sounding too much like a Lenovo salesman I can truly say that I just love Lenovo machines.

I feel the same way about my X1 Nano. Love that machine to bits.

How do they compare to Dell Precisions (16 or 17” models - so the full size mobile workstation, not the smaller 15”) - for similar use as you noted? Thanks in advance for any insight you can share. I’m considering a Thinkpad P16 Gen2 Intel, or older similar Thinkpad (eg P17 or older). - Dell 7780 (17”) or 7680 (16”) - Whichever of these I go with will likely be i7 or i9, 32gig ram - debating the video card. Assuming specs are equal, what are your thoughts on these two brands? I understand Lenovo are better priced than Dell (when compared equal for equal spec). I’ve typically gone Dell and once with HP, but I think I’m tired of Dell; Lenovo has a solid reputation.

@@TwilightTypingASMR This is a very good question. Let me explain how I see laptops from a Java developer's perspective, which may differ a lot from that of KZfaq. If we compare 3 laptops with the same CPU, RAM and SSD what makes one better than the other, and that is the main question that everybody tries to answer in most reviews. Weight: For some people that is really important but for mobile workstations that not something you would carry around, so it is not that important for developers. Opening: If you can open the laptop with one finger is oh sooooo important for reviewers but again, irrelevant for developers. Screen: This is where it starts, the number of nits, clarity and type of screen. Now HP, Dell and Lenovo may differ slightly here, and this can/may definitively be important Web Cam: This can be important as you may spend a lot of time in meetings and the laptop manufacturers have slightly different specs here as well. Sound: Some users may want to use it for music production or video editing and although most of these users use external speakers it can be important If we summarize just these points, then these manufacturers have different models and options to cater for these scenarios and users. HP Speakers (my wife loves HP and has a FireFly) for example is just stunning. Now for the important stuff (again for me). Durability and Chassis. The Lenovo P-Series laptops have the most comfortable keyboard for me personally, the machines are strong, durable and copes with heavy processing. You can replace many parts with so little effort (and this is really important for me) Heat: You need to watch some reviews and tests to determine whether the make/model can handle/dissipate the heat effectively. I may not be gaming on it, but it sure does take a punch during builds. I know this is not telling you anything at this stage. HP, Dell and Lenovo are all super brands. I have worked on a HP Z-Book for a year and that was an impressive machine. After that the company got Lenovo machines. Were there any performance gains, no, the specs were the same, but that is not where the story ends. What do I do most of the time on my laptop as a developer? I code, so I type, and I look at the screen(s). What do I want? A nice keyboard, good screen, earphones to do meetings without bothering others (so speakers not so important), an average webcam and super performance with the ability to upgrade parts to keep my machine in top condition. We had the P51, P53 Lenovo's and one was 17". That was amazing it really was. I had to use a 16" Macbook Pro for a few months and the screen size (and overall laptop size) was just super nice. I am currently working on the P15v, personal is P15. I will most certainly consider a P16, for sure. If you don't have the finances for an external monitor then yes, go for a larger screen like the Thinkpad P16 Gen2 Intel. And talking about finances, if you have enough for the P16 Gen 2, then get that instead of an older model as this would last you for the next 3-5 years without worrying about to many upgrades. Normally the 16" and 17" models get the better motherboards (it used to be like that). Between the Lenovo and Dell as you mentioned in your post, my suggestion would be to go to a store with demo machines and use it. I normally open Notepad and start typing, just type anything you see around you. Do the same on both. Get the one you feel more comfortable with. Why? You will be more productive and that is what it boils down to. Which one makes you faster, makes you better and inspire you? You will need that when spending a lot of hours behind it.

One day I want to look at a Ryzen P series.

The short answer is it will depend on the game. You're right these aren't gaming machines and these GPUs aren't setup with that being the primary function. I'd pay very close attention to those benchmarks, what they are and what they measure.

@@LaptopRetrospective Thanks I really appreciate your time answering me, I think for $855 USD probably I'll give it a try! Cheers

My pleasure. What benchmarks are you using to base your decision and what games are you looking to play?

HP business machines are very rare here. So unless HP sends me one or one falls into my lap one day, it might be a while.