I can attest that thinkpad quality is on the decline, linux support too (not mentioning the stupidity of experimenting with new ways of doing keyboards[1]) but it's not that bad yet.
Hardware is good, in case of trouble on-site warranty works well (once you've learned your way through the ibm website). Be informed about what you buy, skip the comically broken models (see adaptive keyboard) use common sense and your thinkpad will be good. Nothing out of the usual when buying tech stuff.
Though in a not so distant future if lenovo declines continue, it may be wise to stay away from their brand altogether.
This keyboard screwup was one of the reasons I went to Dell E series instead of Lenovo Thinkpad. If you are a heavy keyboard user, not providing dedicated Function keys is a big no-no. It is not about saving space either; my dell E7240 is only 12.5 inches but manages to have a fully functional keyboard. Besides, outstanding keyboard was a big part of the Thinkpad - what were they thinking mucking around with that?
Lenovo has learnt from that mistake though, the X1 Carbon Gen 3 basically has the keyboard from the Gen1 paired with the build quality and high quality IPS screen from the second gen.
Hardware is good, in case of trouble on-site warranty works well (once you've learned your way through the ibm website). Be informed about what you buy, skip the comically broken models (see adaptive keyboard) use common sense and your thinkpad will be good. Nothing out of the usual when buying tech stuff.
Though in a not so distant future if lenovo declines continue, it may be wise to stay away from their brand altogether.
[1]: http://arstechnica.com/staff/2014/01/stop-trying-to-innovate...