R61 vs: T61

[Truthfinder]

Would anyone know the answer to the following in any detail ?

Aside from the case material, what would the difference between the R61 widescreen and the T61 widescreen 14" ThinkPads.

Keep in mind, that I'm considering the exact same options in each unit when placing the order for the custom build.

At this time I own a T60 and I love this unit, however, I'm not crazy about the top cover as it is not easy to take care of. Not only does it show every fingerprint, it does tend to scratch rather easy.

Thanks to all who respond

[asiafish]

Would anyone know the answer to the following in any detail ?

Aside from the case material, what would the difference between the R61 widescreen and the T61 widescreen 14" ThinkPads.

Keep in mind, that I'm considering the exact same options in each unit when placing the order for the custom build.

At this time I own a T60 and I love this unit, however, I'm not crazy about the top cover as it is not easy to take care of. Not only does it show every fingerprint, it does tend to scratch rather easy.

Thanks to all who respond :?

The case seems to be the primary difference. I own a non-wide T60p and bought a 14" widescreen R61 for my associate that I like rather well. The R61 is considerably thicker, especially at the back, but otherwise appears just as well-made as my T60p. I was skeptical about the R at first, but once it came and I spent a little time setting it up, I've come to the conclusion that I could be very happy with it as my own machine.

[Truthfinder]

Thank's so much for your imput.

How much thinker are we talking about and does it look odd?
Also, what is the thinkness vs. the T60 ?

Thanks so very much.

[asiafish]

I never actually measured either with a ruler (you can just go to Lenovo and check the specs, if it matters that much), but my guess is that the R61 is about 1/4 inch or so thicker at the rear than the T60. I know that R61 and T61 models use the rollcage in the screen housing and the R60 and T60 do not, so that may account for most of the difference.

[underclocker]

Aside from the case material, what would the difference between the R61 widescreen and the T61 widescreen 14" ThinkPads.

FYI, I just opened up a 14" widescreen T61 & R61's. My first thought was that a mistake was made with the R61. I thought it was a T61.

For the record, the two models are identical in depth and width. The R61 is 1/8" thicker and weighs exacty 2.0 ounces more, 5lbs. 8oz. versus 5lb. 6oz. (Both with same 7 cell battery.)

(Historical footnote, a T40 with larger 14.1" standard LCD and 6 cell battery only weighs 5.0lbs. However, it does not have a roll cage!)

The top cover finish or the R61 is identical to the T61 - rubberized matte black! So is the rest of the machine.

This is quite different than the 15.4" widescreen models that I have seen. The R61i has a black plastic finish and is 1/4" thicker than a T61 15.4".

There you have it. The R61" 14" widescreen model is fabulous.

Regarding what's inside, that is up to you to configure and that's easy to see in black and white on the specifications description.

[asiafish]

I second that the 14" WS R61 is FABULOUS! As a T60 owner, I would have no complaints moving to this as my primary machine.

[Truthfinder]

Thanks to all who have replyed to my questions.

I was mainly considering moving to the R61 14" WS, thinking that the lid cover would be a regular type of plastic, instead of the rubberized finsh. I don't care for the finish on the T61 as it shows every little mark, smear, scratch, Etc. However, it appears that the lids are now the same rubberized on both the R & T.

Truthfinder

[pianowizard]

I don't care for the finish on the T61 as it shows every little mark, smear, scratch, Etc.

Same here. I too prefer the regular plastic lid of my R50p.

[Truthfinder]

I don't understand why Lenovo's people can't come up with a better material for the ThinkPad lids. The composite that they have and continue to use is so hard to maintain. Other notebook venders had done a beter job in this ares, so what's the problem? Why are they stuck with n OLD desgin..... Yes, the ThinkPad is great, but the lid material sucks...........

MY 2 CENTS

[carbon_unit]

The lid material is pretty nice when you are carrying a bare laptop. It is grippy and makes it a bit harder to slip out of your hands. Besides, If they made the lid out of a different material there would be someone to complain about that also.

[goofyGAguy]

The lid material is pretty nice when you are carrying a bare laptop. It is grippy and makes it a bit harder to slip out of your hands.

Indeed. I find the casing on my R51 to be extremely slick.

[KristianJ]

I don't care for the finish on the T61 as it shows every little mark, smear, scratch, Etc.

Same here. I too prefer the regular plastic lid of my R50p.

Ditto with my Z60m. The T42p I bought a week or so ago has a slightly rough condition rubber finish - not too damaged, but with just enough nicks and scrapes to show up. I'm not too fussed, but one who would place great emphasis on the cosmetic condition of their machine would be displeased.

[Truthfinder]

I would opt for a regular plastic lid material, however not the glossy plastic that many are being built with.

The material used presently on the T & R Thinkpads is outdated as far as I'm concerned.

As far as carrying the ThinkPad, I really don't think the material now used is making the difference between being able to hold on to the unit, vs. dropping it. Numerous people that I know with T60s and T61s are not happy with the material as it show every scratch, mark, smudge, and the edges gets shin on them.

I've also noticed that everytime a ThinkPad is listed for sale, the party selling the unit must post the condiiton of the LCD outer lid. This in itself says there is a problem with the material...

This is my 2cents and I'm sure many agree with this.........