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T SeriesLinux Certified

ThinkPad T480s

2018 · Windows 10 Pro

PSREF Search PSREF
CPU32
GPU8
Display30
Memory45
Connect35
Portable70

Configuration

Scores

80+ Excellent60+ Good40+ Fair
Perf
32
Top 99% of ThinkPad
Single
40
Multi
26
GPU
8
Top 100% of ThinkPad
Display
30
Top 100% of ThinkPad
Memory
45
Top 79% of ThinkPad
Connect
35
Top 82% of ThinkPad
Port
70
Top 39% of ThinkPad
Value
100

Swiss Prices

Ricardoused
01.10.2024
CHF 279
Digitecused
01.02.2025· Refurbished
CHF 349
Near historical low
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Specifications

CPUIntel Core i7-8550U (4C/8T, 4 GHz, 15W)
Display14" FHD IPS · 60Hz · 250 nits
RAM16GB DDR4-2400 (1 slot) · max 24GB
Storage256 GB NVMe (1 slot)
GPUIntel UHD 620 · integrated
Battery57 Wh
Weight1.32 kg
PortsThunderbolt 3, USB-C 3.1, 2x USB-A 3.1, HDMI 1.4, 3.5mm, SD card
WirelessWi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 4.1
Input6-row · Backlit · TrackPoint

Form Factor

14.0"315 mm221 mmSide Profile18 mm
1.32 kg|315 × 221 × 18 mm|1.3 L
1.32 kgWeight
57WhBattery
14"Screen
7portsTotal I/O
I/O Breakdown
Thunderbolt 3USB-C 3.12x USB-A 3.1HDMI 1.43.5mmSD card
Wi-Fi 5Bluetooth 4.16-row · Backlit · TrackPoint

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RAM

1 slot · DDR4-2400 · Max 24GB

Storage
Memory Score
Current
45

Performance Overview

Hardware Guide

Use Case Fit

GoodOffice / Productivity
MarginalSoftware Development
InsufficientGaming
MarginalVideo Editing
MarginalData Science / ML
MarginalVirtualization

Linux Compatibility

Kernel 4.18++
Ubuntu 18.04 LTSUbuntu 20.04 LTS
Wi-FiIntel 8265 — iwlwifi
GPUIntel UHD 620 — i915
Fingerprintlibfprint supported
AudioIntel HDA
Fedora: Any recent Fedora works perfectly.

Certified. Slim variant of the T480 — excellent Linux support.

Analysis

Business Travel

The ThinkPad T480s is a 2018 mainstream business workhorse balancing performance and portability. It pairs a Intel Core i7-8550U with 16 GB upgradeable DDR4 and a FHD IPS panel at 14". At 1.32 kg with a 57 Wh battery, it is highly portable.

Strengths

  • SD card reader
  • Lenovo Linux-certified
  • TrackPoint pointing stick

Limitations

  • No built-in Ethernet
  • Small 256 GB single storage slot
  • Dim 250-nit display
  • Aging 2018 platform — limited vendor support horizon
  • Older Wi-Fi 5 wireless standard
  • Low CPU performance by current standards
  • Very weak integrated GPU — no gaming capability

Analysis derived from public PSREF specifications

Editorial Notes

The slim variant of the legendary T480. Trades the dual-battery system and one DIMM slot for a thinner 1.32 kg chassis. The same excellent keyboard and port selection as the T480 in a more portable package. Popular in the used market alongside the T480.

Known Issues

Max 24 GB RAM (8 GB soldered + 16 GB SODIMM) limits long-term usability. The 250-nit display is dim. No hot-swap external battery like the T480. Battery not user-replaceable.

Swiss Market

Available on Ricardo and Tutti at CHF 150-350. Good value for students and budget-conscious buyers who want a premium ThinkPad experience.

Linux

Excellent Linux support. 8th Gen Intel is the most mature and stable Linux platform. All hardware works flawlessly on any modern distribution.