Avoid soldered RAM if you want a laptop to last 5+ years.

Yes. Soldered RAM is a gamble you don’t need to take.

The problem isn’t today—it’s year four. What feels like plenty of RAM now will feel cramped after a few OS updates, more tabs, heavier apps. Soldered means you’re stuck. No swapping sticks, no adding more. The only upgrade path is a whole new laptop.

Manufacturers like the thin-and-light trend, but they’re selling you a disposable machine. If you’re the type who keeps a laptop for half a decade, look for sodimm slots or at least one user-replaceable stick. You’ll thank yourself when 16GB becomes the new 8GB.

Future you deserves better than planned obsolescence.