I’m currently using LMDE on Thinkpad W530 for work. Pretty much stationary, with second monitor and all. I got a more mobile X230 with 9 cell battery (same OS) for when I need to be on the move.
That i7 on the W540 would be very useful if you want to have good compilation time for your system.
No, that’s pashmina. You’re thinking of Italian food made from flour, eggs and water and shaped in different forms, usually cooked and served with a sauce.