In a nutshell, what is the difference between T4x and R5x ?

[SteveS]

I read in this forum that even the system board from a T41 will fit into a R50. I know that several other parts are interchangable, and the recovery CDs cover T41/ R50, or T42/R52.

I have read the overview data sheets on the Lenovo web site. It looks like R seriies is thicker and heavier, and had a smaller selection of GPUs.

Not knowing the original pricing, I was wondering how they were positioned against each other.

Other major differences?

One final point - do R5x series experience the high GPU BPA failures that T40-42 suffer?

[underclocker]

I've owned many of both models.

In a nutshell, for T40/T41/T42/T43/R50/R51/R52;

R is thicker by up to 1/2"
R is heavier by up to 3/4 lb.
Identical width and depth for R's and T's
R cover has inexpensive plastic look / T has nice rubberized finish over metal
With same specs.'s an R & T would operationally be identical
Generally, T's had some higher spec.'d offerings, R's had some lower spec.'d offerings
Many parts are interchangeable
R's are less prone to GPU failure, but it does/can happen
All models of T's and R's run cool and quiet up to the T43's and R52's, which are noisier
T41p/T42p/T43p/R50p models run hot due to very high performance graphics chip
T's are sexy, R's are chunky
Intel-based GPU models were offered on R51's
Intel-based GPU models were offered on both T43 & R52's
Models that end in "e" (like R50e), are funky - read spec.'s very carefully (you could find things like mono speaker, no mic, no touchpad, ATI 200m GPU, no internal wifi support, etc.!)

[goofyGAguy]

One final point - do R5x series experience the high GPU BPA failures that T40-42 suffer?

I have seen it posited on these boards that the heavier more rigid plastic casing of the R5x helps to minimize the flex that causes the GPU solder problem.

[agarza]

It does help carrying your laptop by the sides, instead of one-handed.

[sarbin]

i carry my '43 after suspending and with the lid closed, always.