model: ThinkPad T430s(model id: 2109)
subtype (notebook, netbook, motherboard, tablet):
notebook
architecture:
x86-64/amd64
does it have a free boot firmware (BIOS,UEFI,...) ?
no
can free operating systems be installed?
yes
does the device prevent installing wifi cards not-approved by the vendor?
yes (see the details inside the description entry)
year of commercialization:
2012
compatibility with free software:
C-silver 
tested on:
Debian GNU/Linux 10 buster
Trisquel 10.0 Nabia
tested with the following kernel libre:
5.15.0-117-generic
video card model:
Intel HD Graphics 4000 (works with 3D acceleration)
wifi model:
Intel Corporation Centrino Wireless-N 2200 (it does not work)
Description:
The laptop works perfectly on GNU/Linux with some exceptions. The Nvidia Optimus graphics dont seem to activate, but it's not an issue since it will automatically switch to Intel graphics which work fine anyway. Some models of this laptop only include intel graphics and have no issues at all.
The one major issue is that the wifi card requires non-free firmware to work. Unfortunately the BIOS has a whitelist and prevents you from installing another wifi card. You could work around this by installing Coreboot (which is very hard on this particular ThinkPad), or use a USB wifi dongle instead.
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