What kind of general media? X61 is still pretty capable at browsing and video if you have the right dependencies/drivers/etc. installed and you stick to lighter software methods.
I've stayed on Endeavour with XFCE for a good while now. It just works and is out of my hair. I use it on any system I want Linux on now and I've stopped hopping.
They're cool concepts, but I don't think they're taking it for me over ThinkPad. They are still better to me and you stated some reasons why. I am attracted to a well-built laptop. It requires a good keyboard, sturdy display assembly hinge, decent I/O, etc. Their 4x TB4 board is cool, but it's still 4. Even Macbook Pros got better at port selection than Framework IMO. Many of the higher-end ThinkPads destroy Framework on chassis material.
I am endlessly waiting for them to become ThinkPad 2 and they don't seem to be going that route. Still waiting for them to implement your wants + I want it in a darker tone. Great machines if you can ignore the faults, just not for me (yet?)
I don't mind being present in this community, but I'll still be active on the Thinkpad sub. I like assisting people with their pads and looking at information. They are the biggest hub I know of.
I went back to classic BIOS in my L14G2A because the modern one is so bloated and slow.
If you check this image The L14G2A's WLAN card is upgradable. It is slotted and ready to be taken out at will.
I own one and I checked for this before I bought it. You can also check YouTube/other review sites/with owners of the device (I am one)
I also read that newer models block installing SSD into the WWAN slot. I prefer having separate SSD for installing secondary OS.
Most ThinkPads today don't house space for more than one drive bay anymore. You can always buy an external or get a P series.
Nice! I've had my eye on these for a bit.
Any packages breaking? Faulty applications? Limited functionality?
Have you tested battery life on Linux?