T43 vs R52

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alex_777 · #1 Post by **alex_777** » Thu Nov 02, 2006 7:08 pm

I have to choose between T43 and R52, the spec are identical. Is there any difference in built quality and components, issues with overheating and etc? I don’t mind to carry little bit more weight if the reliability is better.

dsigma6 · #2 Post by **dsigma6** » Thu Nov 02, 2006 9:01 pm

To the best of my knowledge, the T series has the better build quality. Some (underclocker

) will probably argue otherwise, but that's just what I believe.

RUSH2112 · #3 Post by **RUSH2112** » Thu Nov 02, 2006 9:05 pm

No experience with the R52, but I owned a T43. Its a great machine, but I would go with a T42 if for no other reason than the 43's hyperactive fan (which translates into heat if you use a fan controlling script). The R is thicker and not as well made. If you were looking for a budget machine, and the R was a few hundred cheaper, then maybe go that way, but for the same price, get a T42/3.

Website · #4 Post by **tfflivemb2** » Thu Nov 02, 2006 9:26 pm

As much as I like my R40, I would stick with the T43 or T42. The T series is known for its durability. The R series isn't made of the same titanium parts, like the T series is. It is made from cheaper parts to make is cheaper to the public.

#5 Post by **underclocker** » Thu Nov 02, 2006 9:52 pm

dsigma6 is correct.

I have owned an R51 and a T40 (plus duplicates of each) for nearly 2 years. The R51 is more solid in every way.

While the T40 may have titanium (and any other special metals), it is very thin! So it has more flex everywhere.

The R51 is nearly identical in depth and width, but is marginally thicker and also heavier by one pound (5 lbs. vs. 6 lbs.).

The T40 is an elegant work of art. The R51 is a very nice laptop.

The keyboard and battery, among other items are identical and can be swapped between models. (Some R's & T's even share BIOS and Embedded Controller software!)

Bottom line, both are great and they perform equally. One you buy for your head, one for your heart. I own both.

RUSH2112 · #6 Post by **RUSH2112** » Thu Nov 02, 2006 10:01 pm

underclocker,
From experience, the T43 is more solid than the T40. The T40 was a problematic machine that was not as nice as its future incarnations.

#7 Post by **underclocker** » Thu Nov 02, 2006 10:34 pm

I have a T43 in the house quite often and I can't tell the difference. I also had a T41p, all seem the same.

If I noticed a difference I could have 'upgraded' to a T43 several times. My T40 is as solid as one inch thinkness will allow, but the R51's are more so. I mean they weigh 20% more, why wouldn't they be more rigid?

alex_777 · #8 Post by **alex_777** » Thu Nov 02, 2006 10:57 pm

underclocker wrote:dsigma6 is correct.

I have owned an R51 and a T40 (plus duplicates of each) for nearly 2 years. The R51 is more solid in every way............

Thank you for your answer. Which one runs cooler?

#9 Post by **underclocker** » Thu Nov 02, 2006 11:28 pm

Regarding cooler, I can't tell the difference.

I have 5400rpm drives in each and Dothan 1.6's in each. Both run rather cool. Heat has never been a concern or issue. Even when fan is on, it's not very noticeable.

Perhaps others that own both can comment.

#10 Post by **ZaZ** » Fri Nov 03, 2006 12:03 am

I just got my R60 and I have to say it offers quite good value. It is not as well built as the T, but cost me $400 less than the similarly equipped T. I don't carry my notebook every day so I don't need the extra goodness that the T has. I can still dock it and make it my main machine. For the same price, I'd take the T. Guess it really depends on your situation.

#11 Post by **thePCxp** » Fri Nov 03, 2006 1:07 am

I believe that the R series built quality is as good as the T series. If I had to choose between the R52 and the T43 I would choose both.

#12 Post by **AlphaKilo470** » Fri Nov 03, 2006 3:17 am

I'd go for whichever you just happen to like better. Personally I would pick the T series for the case materials, paint job and marginally thinner thickness. Still, since the specs are so close, my final decision would be price based more than anything else. At same price or for only marginally more, I'd pick the T series but for a significant price gap, I'd go for the equally equipped R series counterpart.

alex_777 · #13 Post by **alex_777** » Fri Nov 03, 2006 12:47 pm

......While the T40 may have titanium (and any other special metals)

From the ThinkPad’s, only the case of T-series are made from special materials, right? Because, I have one G41, and the case looks good enough for me.

alex_777 · #14 Post by **alex_777** » Fri Nov 03, 2006 4:01 pm

Which one will run cooler, for internet surfing, word processing?

I have only one Thinkpad G41, the fan is starting only if you run a 3D game. The rest of the time is fanless

) and runing very cool.

pianowizard · #15 Post by **pianowizard** » Fri Nov 03, 2006 4:14 pm

alex_777 wrote:Which one will run cooler, for internet surfing, word processing?

My (and many others') T43 activates its fan within about 5 minutes after powering up the laptop, and it never stops. The fan isn't very loud, but some people are very sensitive to it.

f1reverb · #16 Post by **f1reverb** » Fri Nov 03, 2006 6:28 pm

The R52 does not have the fan issue its T43 equal has (although the thinkwiki page on the fan issue mentions the R52, but I haven't read any complaints against the R52). The R52 (some like mine) have Firewire and the T43 does not. I have an R52 (185928u) and have no T43 envy. Read these thinkwiki pages on the R52 and T43 . . .

http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Category:T43

http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Category:R52

Puppy · #17 Post by **Puppy** » Sat Nov 04, 2006 7:40 am

Major difference is that R52 no longer have IPS (FlexView) displays. They're for T series only.

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