Ya dingus . <| sep |> A blockchain based public forum that avoids centralization can sure as hell avoid that . <| sep |> 1 . The dock is usually set up at a desk , attaching monitors , a keyboard , and a mouse to it allowing for usage similar to a desktop . This allows you to basically have a desktop , and then detach it and take it with you . 2 . Really anything lightweight would work . I use arch which works well , but if you ' re just starting out I ' d recommend Xubuntu , Lubuntu , or Ubuntu Mate . Whatever looks good to you . 3 . I would guess a few hours . I have a T 430 with a pretty new 6 cell battery , and I get around 4 hours of medium usage . This is total usage time , not including standby time . If someone has a T 420 with the 6 cell , please provide your experience as well . 4 . I ' ve been trying to switch myself , and the best way is just to try and use it . Take it slow , and don ' t take it too seriously . If you get tired of using it , take a break and use the trackpad . Takes getting used to .