Maybe I'll give Linux on the laptop an honest try. I know for sure it won't be Windows.
Just install Ubuntu, it works very well with ThinkPads and it's made to be easy to use for end-users.
For my developers getting new machines, I tell them to split the HD into 3 partitions: Windows, Ubuntu and Mint - give each a one-week shot and then stick with what feels best.
I am not being flippant at all, however the above constitute the reasons I moved away from a Linux laptop 3 years ago (and, conversely, will not move back until their resolution).
Thus far OSX works for my needs, but it would be great to have an alternative.
To be fair, there is a known bug in resume from sleep/hibernation, but it is not particular to ThinkPads but to Intel GPUs.
Sleep mode and WiFi works natively too. I have had some problems with hibernate mode but I'm not using anyway. The only think you cannot use under Linux is the fingerprint reader. Everything else works like a charm.