What exactly was the R series trying fit?

[Thinkpad4by3]

According to Thinkwiki, the R-Series was meant to be a cheaper model, which does make sense for the E/I type R series, but otherwise they usually come with more features (Firewire, QXGA LCD on R50p, S-Video(I think), Etc..). It would seem like it would be the heavy desktop replacement machine like the A series but that was the point of the A30 while the R30 was out. It also isn't very heavy compared to any other Thinkpad. I also don't get the point of the amber leds that the R series used. Are while leds more expensive or what? Also, are the R series any different than the T series, especially in the 6x/400/500 series?? Is confusing!



It! It is confusing. Say your [censored] pronouns!

[Puppy]

R series were noticeably cheaper than their T siblings having similar configuration but 1 cm more thicker. For instance my R51 (that had similar specs to T42) was more than 25% cheaper 13 years ago.

[TPFanatic]

R-series was built of different plastics to make it cheaper. I recall R60 series was all ABS, like the Z-series, unlike the T-series that's built of metal alloys. Also in the R50-T40 gen, T-series had some magnesium frame pieces in its base while R-series used plastic parts instead, for example in the battery bay.