Rollcage vs Traditional metal covers

Hi guys. I am about to purchase my first ThinkPad and have narrowed my selection to two choices: the T400 and the X200. Either notebook will work for me, so my decision will come down to which model has the sturdiest, most impact resistant, and most durable construction. I have read conflicting opinions on the two types of construction. The new rollcage design was received well by some but not others. The T400 has the magnesium rollcage with plastic covers. The X200 has no rollcage, but has magnesium covers. I would honestly like to have the magnesium rollcage with magnesium covers, but that is not an option. I know both models passed the military specs test, but i couldn't find detailed information showing which models performed the best. From my understanding (and please correct me if I'm wrong), the rollcage design with plastic covers allows for more impact dispersal (making it more impact resistant and internally durable) and better wireless reception, while the magnesium covers design with no rollcage is somewhat sturdier (less flexible) and has a more durable finish. Please let me know which design you all think is better. Thanks for the help.

 

The T400 is stronger than the X200... due to the fact that the Rollcage is an endoskeleton design and the amount of magnesium used is lot thicker than what is on the X200. The magnesium cover on the X200 is quite thin, which will help the X200 to retain the svelte profile, this impacts on its overall strength. Also, if you do drop the X200, the magnesium cover will fracture in many cases and sometimes the crack will go all the way through the laptop's case, which will make replacement of the laptop case necessarily.

While, the T400 external top case use a highly impact resistant polycarbonate, similar to those used in bullet proof windows, which is supported by specially designed and cast magnesium rollcage. While the external bottom case cover is made of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (carbon fiber is supplied by the same company that supplies carbon fiber to the Airbus A380 plane), which is then supported by its internal magnesium rollcage.

 

Where can we find disassembly / breakdown images of either the T400, X200, or X200s? I'd like to see what these cages look like.

 

X200/s doesn't have rollcage it is just a magnesium alloy cover.

here is the breakdown image of the rollcage in the T61/R61 14.1 inch/R400/T400/T500/W500 (although each model will have slightly different rollcage structure in the base).

http://fsrc.wordpress.com/lenovoibm-thinkpad/

 

The X200s does have a rollcage.

 

yes you are correct that the the X200s (carbon fibre & fibre glass) and so does X200 (old magnesium alloy) have a rollcage, i just opened up my X200 and had a look. It is different to the type used in the larger cousins (T400, T500, W500)....