Thinkpads are great, the problem is the price, specially overseas because of the exchange in countries which currency value have lowered in comparison to the dollar. Any Thinkpad was barely affordable and this situation became worse. A X1 Carbon is a dream, but it costs 5-7 times more than a low cost laptop (and low quality as well). A T490 is 3-4 times more expensive than a low cost laptop.
I'm typing this comment in my lovely T440, but my next laptop will probably not be a Thinkpad. They are great, but having one doesn't payoff nowadays (YMMV).