Build quality difference between T,R Z series ?

How does the build quality differ amongst the T,R,Z series ? What other major differences are there among them ?

 

Some things are common across all think pads. All share the same keyboard design that is considered by many to be the best. All have trackpointers, it's that little red dot in the middle of the keyboard that works like a mini joystick. Somepeople are indifferent to the trackpoint, for others its a must have, and again Thinkpad are considered the best. General build quality; this is a subjective matter, some people apprechiate the highquality plastics that surround the outside of the case with a magnesium frame on the inside that provides the integrity, while others perfer notebooks that have a magnesium alloy or some other exterior. Some are also put off by the fact the thinkpad outter plastic seems to pic up fingerprints alot, but the rubbery texture to the exterior plastic gives you a good grip so you're less likely to drop it. In general most people would agree that thinkpads are off the highest build quality. Thinkpads originally were marketed to office professionals only and to some extent they still are. Because of this you won't find any glossy highcontast screens like you'll find more consumer orentated brands from dell, sony, etc. For some this is a deal breaker, others who do mostly wordprocessing and spreadsheets in an office appreachiate this because there's less reflection. The thinkpad design philosophy is your classic form follows function. Some people find this extrememly boring, for others it's what makes the thinkpad an eternal classic and a big reason why so many thinkpad owners would never consider buying another brand.

There are some differences between the different thinkpad series though.

T Series: Marketed towards the office profesional. Very thin, 1". comes in screen sizes 14.1" and 15". Has both a trackpoint and a trackpad to move the curser. The T60p series also has a special screen called Flexview that comes only in 15". This is considered by many to be the best matte screen (non glossy) out there. It has improved viewing angles and is more expensive.

R - series. Comes in 14.1" and 15" screen sizes. basically the same as the T series but thicker, heavier, less portable, not as sexy and less desirable.

X - series. comes in 12.1". Considered one of the best notebooks in this ultralight category. no internal cd/dvd-rom drive, and no trackpad, just the trackpoint. Its lightweight is great if you need to carry your laptop around alot.

Z - series. The newest entry to the thinkpad line. The first thinkpad to have a widescreen. Its a little more orientated to consumers than the office professional. Has 14.1" and 15.4" wide aspect screens. And if you've ever seen one of these in person they are surpprisingly thick. And ofcourse it's the first thinkpad to have a shiny "titanium" outer lid cover. I don't know if its actually titanium though.

An easy way to learn more about the different models of thinkpads, or for any notebook for that matter, is to read the reviews on this website. If you have any specific questions feel free to post them too, someone will be happy to answer.

 

I would just add the R series uses a plastic lid so it does not offer quite the protection of the others, but still much better than what on other notebooks.

 

I also do believe that its not JUST the T60p 15" that offers the flexview screen, both the T60 and T60p with 15" screens are flexview screens. Main reason why the T60p is a lot more expensive is because of the FireGL Vid card.

 

Yes, but only the 15" T series SXGA+ and UXGA+ screens are FlexView, not the XGA. There is a R model 946272U that the description says IPS screen. I sent an email asking for clarification, but have not had a response as of yet.

 

Thanks guys

Why are the R & Z thicker than the T ? What do they put in the extra space ?

 

The Z is thicker because it's more of a multimedia machine. It's not exactly a business carrier as it's a little too bulky for the average businessman. I personally would carry my Z if I was a businessman, but I love my Z so much that I take it everywhere

 

They use different material for case covers and such. Build quality is good on all of them. They are built well no matter what material is used. If you are asking about toughness of the material they are built with, it all depends on what you are going to through it against.

 

The Z series is two different units, the 15.4" Z60/Z61m, which is thicker and heavier than a T60, but the Z60/61t is smaller than a T60 15.4" or about the same size as the T60 14.1 (and less deep by an inch) and just as tough and light. HWD(mm) for the z60t is 26.6>30.9x334x228, and the T60 15" is 31>36x334x268 or in 14.1" 26.6>31x316x255. The Z60t weighs in at (small battery/large in lbs) 4.8/5.1 and the T60 (14.1/15) 5.5/6.3, so it is lighter too. These figures are from the Tabook.

The Z60/61t units are the second lightest and smallest Thinkpads after the X units. I have the 2513MCU Z60t PM780 top of the line T-Top (bought at closeout time for 1.3k), and it is small, fast and as rugged as any Thinkpad made. I have a 14.1 R52 also, and it is the equal of the T43, regardless of the plastic, as far as being rugged.