It is actually almost physically painful how much I want this thing. "Software dev" for me takes on quite a few roles from debugging hardware/IoT devices in the field, to programming lighting shows or interactive art installations. This thing might seem like overkill, but for me and lots of people who do a job like mine, I actually don't think it really is.

The domain may have given a hint, but my first thought upon seeing the pictures was "this looks like a very stereotypically Russian/former-USSR design" --- it does not even try to be elegant or beautiful at all, but has a very practical and functional aesthetic.

It looks like a portable version of industrial computers to me.

It has Ukrainian keyboard, so yep, it from post-USSR country.

Funny, to me it just reminds me of a standard laptop from a few years ago. I have a consumer lenovo from a few years back, and it has all those ports except the USB-C.

What laptop is that? Because this laptop has a lot of very weird ports (I'm leaving out USB-C):

2 micro USB-B ports, one with quick charging 3.0, one with USB OTG so the laptop can be used as an external mouse and keyboard for a different computer even when not booted.

2 ethernet ports, one with power over ethernet supporting 3 different standards for POE.

5.5x2.5mm power connector, fullsize SD reader, micro SD reader, 4 USB-A 3.0 ports (one always on), mini DisplayPort, full HDMI, 4 3.5mm audio jacks (in, out, mic, headset), VGA, DB-9 connector supporting many modes, HD Mini SAS, USIM card tray, PBD-12 pin connector, tripod mount, mount for attaching to a wall via screws or via magnets or mounting to your arm.

And on the power supply there are 8 ports.

I meant the original post reminds me of a standard laptop from a few years back. the one linked on habr.com is quite unique and interesting. But the Vaio SX12 linked in the original post just has a standard amount of laptop ports (3 usb-a, 1 usb-c, Ethernet, VGA, SD card, HDMI, headphone/mic).

PoE ports are pretty amazing though if it can charge over it

Sadly, the trend has been to copy Apple. Even Lenovo has been taking some Apple design cues into Thinkpads.

While Macs are good, it's better to have more variety and different design compromises to choose from. Especially, if you run Linux as only a tiny proportion of sold models will have trouble-free hardware. So I applaud this move by VAIO.

The same frustrating thing happens in the smartphone market. Practically no small phones left. Interestingly, the Xperia Compact is one of those few. Also by Sony (VAIO is part-owned by Sony only).

Haven't seen any copy Apple's trackpad size, unfortunately. They're copying the wrong things.

I’m glad they haven’t. That ginormous trackpad is a huge turnoff to me.

It's the one thing that makes me think I have to stick to a MacBook. All the small touchpads are too fiddly for my liking.

Does it turn you off because you feel that you would touch it whilst typing, or is it something else?

I prefer using the keyboard nub on my ThinkPad myself, and have the touchpad disabled. If I'm typing, it's easier to use a nub. If I'm not typing, then I'd probably prefer a touchscreen for more accuracy.

As long whatever I'm doing doesn't require precise movements, then a touchscreen is good enough, and easier to use. If it's something harder to touch with big fingers (say position in code), then I'd probably rather use arrow keys anyways.

I’ve used one on other people’s macbooks. I think my objection is mostly aesthetic. It just seems so gaudy and excessive or something along those lines.

Out of curiosity, what can you do with that large touchpad that you can't do with one with half the surface?

To gi e you some context, I always traded touchpad surface for three physical buttons. They're very convenient when working in Linux. All I need from the touchpad is pointer movement and scrolling.

The X1 Carbon is somewhat an attempt to have an Apple-like glass trackpad. But other models have different trackpads.

Exactly, T-series! I even have a card reader in my T450s.

you could never use your T-laptop as an input or display device for another system. that was one of the best features of that theoretical adminbook

Adminbook take my money.

ok notebook design, but I want it to work in space.

see: http://wondermark.com/344/

"Arm mount" killed me.