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I guess perf being a "gaming" thing on HN suggests that many developers aren't using AOT-compiled languages. More perf is still desirable if you compile Rust programs or large C++ programs. For the latter, it's not just CPU but storage perf matters, too, due to file system-heavy compilation unit and textual include model.

For development, 8 or even 16 GB would be great, and look for the higher-res screen. Anyway, for $200 you can have a very decent, durable, highly compatible machine. The only functional thing lacking would be a Thunderdolt port.

That same T420 does support[0] 16 GB of RAM[1] in practice, for the record.

[0] https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/ThinkPad-T400-T500-and-newer-T/...

[1] http://pcpartpicker.com/products/memory/#t=9&Z=16384002&s=30...

For real mobility away from a power outlet, an old notebook might not be all that great. But if it's just about the desktop replacement form factor, then any used post-2010 high end model will provide much better value for money than a fresh low spec device.