T-series lineage graphic

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Medessec · #1 Post by **Medessec** » Tue Jan 21, 2014 7:29 am

I didn't know where else to post this... so here we go.

My roommate is somewhat interested in the different generations of Thinkpads, particularly T-series, but it's too confusing to him, especially when he's told about the T500/T510, etc. He had the idea that I should make a graphic that demonstrates each generation of the T-series Thinkpad. Welp, here it is:

http://www.medessec.info/m/Tserieslineage.jpg

Yes, I made it 4K. Be aware of that when clicking on the link. But it's a graphic that shows the development of the T-series, separated into "IBM-era" and "Lenovo-era".

It's a bit messy, but I think it does an ok job. I'd also like for people to point out inaccuracies, or things that should be added. You're also free to edit it yourself and post it on here. I might do another graphic that's timeline based. YES, I know the R-series plays a huge role in the development of the T-series, and the W-series replaced the "p" performance model of the T-series starting from the T500. But I made this so it WOULDN'T be confusing to those who want to understand. Kapeesh?

Anyways, hope you enjoy. And I'd like for this to be moved somewhere more relevant, if there is a forum that suits it.

#2 Post by **Tasurinchi** » Tue Jan 21, 2014 10:33 am

My only remark would be (IIRC) that the IBM <-> Lenovo transition was somehow in the middle of the T4/T6 series. It will be difficult to draw a clear line I guess.

But it's a cool graph!

Well done...

Medessec · #3 Post by **Medessec** » Tue Jan 21, 2014 11:09 am

And thanks! Appreciate the encouragement.

The acquisition happened in 2005, which would put it smack right around the T43/X41's production. It's arguable that later T43s and other Thinkpads made about the same time, including the convertible tablet design we see in the X41/X60/X61 is Lenovo's, but Lenovo's absolute influence isn't seen until after the T400/T500.

Most people draw the line between the T4x and T6x, because most will agree that the T4x was designed completely by IBM and their traditional vision of the productivity machine. The T6x doesn't share that trait nearly as much, you can definitely see Lenovo's influence in the design. And most later T6xs had lost the IBM badging for the plain "Thinkpad" logo in full text.

dr_st · #4 Post by **dr_st** » Tue Jan 21, 2014 11:16 am

Very nice!

Some of your pictures (15" T60 and T530) are mirrored. It looks a bit funny.

If you want to mention subtle keyboard changes, then:

* T60 was the first one with Windows keys on the keyboard
* T410/T510 were the first ones with enlarged Esc/Del keys

You can also add that the T30 was the first T series with metal hinges.

Regarding Lenovo vs IBM era, I think your split is correct. The transition started some time before, but T60 were clearly the first T series released strictly under Lenovo ownership. Although they did continue manufacturing some T42/T43 for some time, the initial release of these models was still under IBM.

Norway Pad · #5 Post by **Norway Pad** » Tue Jan 21, 2014 2:46 pm

Very nice. I saved it, just to keep it. I didn't have all the details on the various chipsets in the more modern models, so good information.

And I agree on the 440/540 description: "Radical cosmetic redesign". Had the pleasure (Or maybe disappointment

) of looking at a 440 at my wife's job, and this is probably the biggest redesign we have seen in the entire timeline. But that was off-topic.

ajkula66 · #6 Post by **ajkula66** » Tue Jan 21, 2014 2:56 pm

Impressive.

Two small notes regarding the T30:

a) First T-series model that was factory pre-wired for use of wireless cards regardless of the fact whether the machine was shipped with one or not.

b) First T-series model to offer BlueTooth as an option.

Medessec · #7 Post by **Medessec** » Tue Jan 21, 2014 3:20 pm

Some of your pictures (15" T60 and T530) are mirrored. It looks a bit funny.

GAAA you noticed! Yeah... I flipped them so they would compliment the picture above or below better. I was certain someone would notice... the T60p 15" is the worst. Looking at it now makes me go "aaaaAAAAGGGHH"... I may just flip it back for my next revision.

* T60 was the first one with Windows keys on the keyboard
* T410/T510 were the first ones with enlarged Esc/Del keys

I was going to add "slightly redesigned keyboard", but perhaps I should just put that Lenovo added a Windows key. I ran out of room... meh. I'll make room, or make the fonts smaller.

You can also add that the T30 was the first T series with metal hinges.

Two small notes regarding the T30:
a) First T-series model that was factory pre-wired for use of wireless cards regardless of the fact whether the machine was shipped with one or not.
b) First T-series model to offer BlueTooth as an option.

Dang guys-T30 a riveting centerpiece in the T-series? Just kidding... it's all definitely relevant, I'll add it. I'll have to redo this graphic tonight, I'll update it.

And I agree on the 440/540 description: "Radical cosmetic redesign". Had the pleasure (Or maybe disappointment ) of looking at a 440 at my wife's job, and this is probably the biggest redesign we have seen in the entire timeline. But that was off-topic.

I'd be fine with any discussion concerning comparison between past and present T-series... kinda the point of the graphic.

But yeah, when I finished I showed my roommate, and he pointed in the bottom right and went, "What the heck is that...?!"

Again, thanks a ton you guys. I'll be sure to update it according to your contributions so it can be more useful.

Saucey · #8 Post by **Saucey** » Tue Jan 21, 2014 3:28 pm

Looks great!

I'm working on something similar myself. Looks great Medessec, though the dark background for the IBM and Lenovo makes it tough to read. But an outerglow or bevel and emboss layer effect would make it look snappy!

I'm working on something similar myself.

Medessec · #9 Post by **Medessec** » Tue Jan 21, 2014 3:33 pm

the dark background for the IBM and Lenovo makes it tough to read. But an outerglow or bevel and emboss layer effect would make it look snappy!

Noted!

And are you on your daily dosage of caffeine? Seems you've eagerly wrote off that you're "working on something similar myself."

Just messin' with ya though.

Saucey · #10 Post by **Saucey** » Tue Jan 21, 2014 3:40 pm

Medessec wrote:And are you on your daily dosage of caffeine? Seems you've eagerly wrote off that you're "working on something similar myself."

Haven't any yet, therefore I haven't bothered with it.
Tomorrow I'll have lots of time for it.

QWERTY Andreas · #11 Post by **QWERTY Andreas** » Tue Jan 21, 2014 3:41 pm

If someone needs to understand how thinkpads Work, i think its fairly easy with the newer thinkpads:

First letter: The type of machine. Ie. X = portable, W = Workstation, T = Compromise
First number: Screensize
Second number: Generation of Intel CPU
Third number: Wether its an updated version or not (X201 is an updated X200, not something completely new)
p-suffix: Determines wether its a performace model (T-series only)
s-suffix: Determines wether its a "slim" model (T-series only)

Ie. T440s = Compromise, 14", 4th generation Haswell, Slim model.

I think its a rather nice way to name the machine. Lenovo haven't done everything wrong

Medessec · #12 Post by **Medessec** » Wed Jan 22, 2014 10:00 am

I think its a rather nice way to name the machine. Lenovo haven't done everything wrong

I'm pretty sure it was the intention... and I'm also certain it makes the new series a lot less confusing to new customers. When you're grouping it with the old Thinkpads though... it gets very confusing.

If you click on the link now for the graphic, you'll notice now that I've updated it. I've added the factoids for the T30, and the T6x and T410/510 about the keyboard. I've also put a white outline around the lenovo/IBM logos, so you can read them better.

http://www.medessec.info/m/Tserieslineage.jpg

Summilux · #13 Post by **Summilux** » Wed Jan 22, 2014 10:02 am

That's a cool idea!

I'm not sure why the black bold bar between the T410 and T420, though.
I'd rather draw two thin lines:
- one between the T6x and the T400, as this is when the dramatic "wide screen only" shift happened
- one between the T420 and the T430, as this is when the dramatic "6-row chiclet keyboard" shift happened

#14 Post by **thePCxp** » Fri Jan 24, 2014 4:06 am

Very nice graphic Medessec! Such a great idea!

Temetka · #15 Post by **Temetka** » Fri Jan 24, 2014 3:04 pm

Nice picture you made. Downloaded for future reference.

#16 Post by **BillMorrow** » Tue Jan 28, 2014 6:35 pm

nice work on that graphic history..!

and...

probably not germane but no transnote or S30..?

Medessec · #17 Post by **Medessec** » Wed Jan 29, 2014 4:55 am

Hmm! Transnote is pretty closely related to T-series... well, I wanted this to strictly be about T-series. But I did miss the S30 on my other graph that I drew out. How did I do that...?!

#18 Post by **BillMorrow** » Fri Jan 31, 2014 4:15 am

yeah, you're right..
S30/S31, transnote are pretty unrelated to T series..
though the transnote was a really nifty bit of hardware.. for its very short lifetime..

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