Pecking Order

Thanks to all who responded to my last inquiry regarding the Z-series and the T43. Now I just have one more topic to broach so that I can make a completely informed decision and never have any regrets (yeah right).

Okay, so yesterday we talked about the Z-series and how they aren't quite up to snuff when compared to the venerable T43. Fine. But what about the R52? Is the only difference between it and the T43 (when configured similarly) the lack of a fingerprint-scanner and the incorporation of plastic instead of magnesium? (And according to some reports that I've read, the mass of the plastic seems to do a better job of cooling than the magnesium-alloy).

I'm not a huge DVD-watcher, and I never play games, but is an XGA-screen really that bad? Hell (getting off subject), I don't even own a television, so it's not like I really have anything to compare a poor display to.

Anyway, back to the R52 and the T43. Can the R52 really be classified as a bonafide Thinkpad? Or is it just another budget-version riding on a good name? Is there really that much of a difference between the two? Is the intangible difference (for similarly configured units) worth the $300 difference?

And lastly, has anyone gotten burned from buying either new or used off od ebay?

Inquiring minds would like to know.

Thanks.

 

You cannot expect T series level build quality at R series prices. The R series are well built with excellent support. As noted they are more plasticky and heavier. ThinkPads standard screens are average. Perhaps something like an Asus Z63a would be a better fit. I bought both of my ThinkPads on eBay, but you have to be careful. Good Luck.

 

I know a number of people that have bought a ThinkPad through ebay, haven't done it myself, but if you find somebody that's got a good ranking and has obviously been selling ThinkPads for a while then go for it. The R52 is most definitely a "ThinkPad", it even has the Active Protection System for the hard drive and all the typical mature ThinkPad security software. It's just a little cheaper in construction and you can't configure it with some of the latest and greatest options like you can the T. (i.e. 2.13GHz pentium m) but if you're looking to save money, why would you be selecting the highest end components possible for an R series? wouldn't make much sense anyway. So in summary, the R series is a fine option if you can find a better price and don't fee you "need" the T series per se. And if you don't have a TV and haven't been spoiled by a really nice LCD, you'll probably actually be amazed by the quality of even average notebook screens these days...we've come a long way since the days of CRT monitors!

 

When I purchased my R52, I demanded that a T43 be brought for a side-by-side
comparison. My ThinkPad R52 1860A33 was exactly the same as the T43 brought there.
The only difference was a cold metal feeling on the lid outside, because of the Magnesium
allow work there. The R52 model I own comes with all the goodies that usually come
with T-series ThinkPads only, for example: the fingerprint security scanner. It even has
the UltraBay Enhanced, found earlier only on T-series. Since I didn't need high-resolution
screen and a dedicated graphics, going for a T43 didn't make any sense.

I can't say the same about other R-series models, but R52 is 95% the same as T43 as
far as construction quality is concerned. The difference in thinkness too is very minimal,
in fact you wouldn't notice any. Difference in weight is 0.6lbs, which is not much, IMHO.

I don't know if you can get the same R52 model in US or someplace else, but if you can,
I assure you it's the best Rxx so far ...and the closest thing to a Txx for less $$$.

Here are the specs, for the record.

Code:

ThinkPad R52 (1860A33)

·Intel® Centrino™ Mobile Technology
  -Intel® Pentium® M Processor 750
  (1.86GHz, 2MB L2 Cache)
  -Intel® PRO/Wireless Network
  -Connection 802.11b/g
·Windows® XP Professional
·Intel® 915 GM Chipset
·256MB PC2 4200 DDR2 533MHz SDRAM
·80GB HDD with Shock Absorber & Active Protection System
·DVD-CD/RW Combo Drive
·Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 900
·One Express Card slot
·Bluetooth
·Modem, Gigabit Ethernet
·38.1 cms (15 inches) TFT monitor
·Integrated Fingerprint Reader
·UltraNAV (TouchPad + TrackPoint)
·Client Security Solution
·3-year customer carry-in global warranty

AFAIK, this model doesn't exist in the tabook.pdf file.

 

My Ebay story...

I was watching a T42, checked out the seller who had excellent long-term feedback, nary a complaint in over five years. AND, he was selling computers, not someone with a computer, beer coasters, etc. You get the idea, he was fully vetted.

When I was the high bidder, I wrote immediately to the seller stating that I would send the payment along as soon as I recived the serial number. A day goes by, nothing. Then I get a note from Ebay saying that the seller had been suspended, the sale void and I should do what is needed to get my money back (of course, I hadn't sent any money as of yet). They did no go into details but others have informed me that he probably hijacked someone else's information.

I have had many good experiences on Ebay but mostly for products that were not otherwise available. I don't think it is worth it to save 5-10% of the sale price, IMHO.

 

R52 has fingerprint and i disabled it

 

The R52 does not compare to the T43 at all. My Friend has a R52 and purchased it as a value play. He feels completely inferior when he see's my T43, as he should.

The R52 is an excellent laptop for college students or for children you do not love. Another recipient of an R52 would be somebody you don't like or do not care about.

T43 all the way. If you do go for the Z60, get the 15.4" screen. People don't realize that you need a bigger widescreen for the loss of screen space vs. a traditional 4:3 screen. For example. to replace a 60" bigscreen TV one must purchase a 65" widescreen to makeup for the loss of space due to ratio size.

Good Luck

 

T is slimmer and lighter.
T is somewhat better built.
R has better DVD burners.

XGA is fine, if it's on 14". For 15" it may be somewhat too big and a waste of space.

 

I highly disagree! Like I said before, I had both R53 and T43
side-by-side for comparison, and I didn't find T43 significantly
better than R52 at all. The only difference in build quality is
the Magnesium allow finishing on the lid top. From a student's
viewpoint the difference is largely aesthetical. T43 is more
expensive because it's more business-oriented than its R52
siblings. A 0.2" difference in breadth or 0.6lbs difference in weight
isn' substantial, IMHO. And, UltraBay Slim is only a little
slimmer than the UltraBay Enhanced. Remember, R52 is not Gxx
or Axx thing.