T30, T4X, R-series, A-series

[skitty4gzus]

What are the main differences in these laptops. What are the main diff between the A-series, T-series, and R-series, and I guess the X-series? Here is what I need to know. I love my T30, but I need better resolution than that and a brighter screen. I also need longer single battery life. I need USB2.0, and ALOT better vid card than whats in mine right now. I guess I have a 16mb card????? Maybe even something lighter? Im guessing im going to be in the T4x family? For all of that and even a few years used what am I looking to spend in price. I saw brainpickers R50p and that sounds pretty much like everything I want. So is $900 a price I should be expected to spend. I really kind of wanted to spend no more than $800 though. I spent 425 on my T30 plus another 100 to get a DVD burner and wifi card. And, I still am lacking USB2.0, higher resolution, better battery life. It also seems like RAM for the T30 is more than most other kinds??? Any help would be great. All the help I have got so far has been great. This forum really helps people like me and I appreciate it! God Bless You

[tfflivemb2]

First, take a look at this thread, in Thinkwiki...it gives a lot of information on the different models and what they have.

Given your price range, and maybe a tad more, you might be able to get either a high end used system, or a new low end system.

Another thing to look at would be the tabooks, which are under the FAQ, depending upon the model that you are looking for.

As for a brief answer regarding the A/T/R series and even the X & G series:

X series: Hard drive - no optical drives - ultraportable
T series: Hard drive - 1 optical drive - portable
A series: Hard drive - 2 optical drives - semi-portable (heavier than the T)
R series: Similar to the T series, but heavier and not as sturdy...meant to be a desktop replacement
G series: Similar to the R series, but faster (G41 availble with up to a 3.46GHz cpu, per thinkwiki) and heavier.

This is just a brief synopsis.

[dsvochak]

There are A, T, R, X, G (and Z) series Thinkpads to accommodate different uses and users. T's are generally considered the best combination of portability and function. One series trades off features available in another series for a feature certain users desire/require. The extreme example is an X vs. an A. To gain portability the X gives up internal drives and screen size/resolution. The gain, according to the tawbook, is about 1/2 the weight and 3x the battery life.

I count 7 needs/desires and there may be others. "Better resolution" eliminates X machines and a large percentage of 14.1" machines in other series. "Longer battery life" and "lighter" eliminate A and G machines. USB 2.0 (built in) eliminates everything before a 4x machine (not sure where that came in on R's).

If "a lot better video card" means more video ram, eliminate G machines, most A's, X's.

"Longer battery life" can be achieved with a newer machine, or a new battery and/or Ultrabay battery for your T30. You sacrifice the Ultrabay drive for the battery, but that's a trade off.

"Brighter screen" may just be an indicator that one of the video components in your machine is wearing out. I have no difficulty seeing what's on my screens in either "normal daylight" or "a well lit room".

brainpicker's R50p hit's all the needs/desires except perhaps "lighter" (and perhaps price). But I'd pay brainpicker more than virtually anyone here or on ebay for an identical machine.

[skitty4gzus]

lots of help. I really appreciate it. Im torn between a t42, t42, and r-series. Weight isnt really that much of an issue, but build quality is. I also like the UXGA on almost all R-series or all, not sure. USB 2.0 is going to be crucial because I would like to have external HD's, but an ultrabay battery is not necessarily something Im interested in all that much. Well I guess I could live with it if I make virtual cd's out of the things i use the most. Viewing in a well lit room is a big problem, not only lots of glare, but not very bright at all. Not sure if they made different types of screens in the different series, but I would want to see specs on what type of screen it is compared to whats in my T30.

[tfflivemb2]

If build quality is your biggest issue, then I would stick with the T series...they are the "Sherman Tanks" of the Thinkpads.