Sorry this took so long, but I was kind of hoping to get a hands-on look at the latest (T540/440 and W540) ThinkPads, but that hasn't happened yet, and may not for a while. While ThinkPads have been the only laptops I would use or recommend for some 20 years now, the changes Lenovo made to these models are unforgiveable, in particular with respect to the TrackPoint (no thumb actuated buttons!) and keyboard. For the time being, I will only recommend up to the previous generation T530/430 and W530 models, and once those are gone may have to re-think recommending ThinkPads at all. That is hard for me to say but I wasn't the one who destroyed one of the most desirable and iconic ThinkPad features! This misunderstanding of its own product reminds me of the Classic Coke debacle. My only hope is that just like with Classic Coke, Lenovo realizes its error and restores the proper functionality in its upcoming models. For now you can get the last good ones at places like
http://NewEgg.com and the
Lenovo factory outlet store.
As for a desktop recommendation, of course I recommend you build your own. Start with an MSI motherboard, Intel processor, Intel or Samsung SSD, we can take it from there. A lot will depend on the budget and intended use of course. Scott.