T400 vs R400 vs SL400 physical differences

I think that in general T>R>SL

I have been trying to get very similar setups between the three different models and have noticed that T is about 200 more than R and R is about 100 more than SL

What are the physical differences in build quality, weight, keyboard, and trackpad?

If someone would like to further elaborate I was looking towards getting a machine with the specs listed below, are there any of these that you would highly recommend changing

I read that LED backlight is VERY much preferred to CFL and I guess non-backlit screens and it looks like only the T400 has that

Also I read that discrete graphics handle the load more(obv, I knew that) but it uses up more power

Was also wondering how much increased weight and bulk I will see with the increased life batteries

P8400
2 GB 1 DIMM
160 GB 7200 RPM
Camera
Intel 5100 AGN
DVD-RW
BT
7-in-1 memory card reader

Also definitely want dedicated media keys(at least for volume)

Last question, since I am a student and on a budget, what sites should I be checking for coupon codes?

Thanks alot, plan on making this purchase this week if I can get a good deal

 

The primary difference between the 3 is build quality, screen, and keyboard.

The SL series has an inferior 6 row keyboard with a decent amount of flex (problem if you type quickly).

Both the R and T series use the same standard 7 row keyboard. There have been some complaints of minor flex on this one as well, but it is much better than the SL series.

The T series is the thinnest and lightest of the bunch. It also has advanced features such as a roll cage that help it survive abuse slightly better than the R, and much better than the SL.

Only the T series offer switchable graphics (only in Vista). This gives you the combination of good battery life (using integrated) when you want it, and good performance, primarily for games, (using discrete) when you need it. The R only offers integrated graphics. The SL offers either integrated or discrete, but they cannot be switched (I also believe the discrete card in the SL400 is inferior to the card in the T400).

The SL series is more consumer oriented. It has a glossy top cover (attracts fingerprints), a glossy screen (bad under certain lighting), HDMI out (very nice to output to TVs), no dock connector (can't use a base/port replicator). The SL series also lacks the Thinvantage software.

The R and T series are business all the way (this is also good for consumers that appreciate function and build quality). They use rubberized matte top coats (very easy to grab), matte screens (great under all lighting, and possibly even direct sunlight on the LED backlit T400), dock connector (quickly attach external monitor , keyboard, mouse, USB drives, etc), ThinkLight (illuminates the keyboard in dark rooms). Includes ThinkVantage software (power manager, Access Connections, Presentation Director, Rescue & Recovery, et. al).

LED screens are generally better than CCFL. They can be much brighter, tend to use less power (increased battery life), and usually have a better contrast ratio (can display black rather than deep gray). The price difference on the T400 is usually less than $75 for an LED, so it is definitely worth the upgrade.

The bigger batteries certainly do weigh more and add bulk. The 6 and 9 cell options on all 3 of these machines will stick out the back (the 9 cell also lifts them up in the back). I don't have all of them, but I would guess the 6 cell is about 6 ounces more than the 4 cell, and the 9 cell is about 12 ounces more than the 4 cell. However, it is better to carry a bigger battery than an AC adapter on a daily basis.

All 3 have dedicated keys for volume. They also have context keys on the arrows for play/pause, stop, next, and previous (hold down the Fn key and touch the arrow key). This really is all the more multimedia keys you need.

This is the Lenovo announcement for the SL series it covers some of its features, innovations and target market. The SL has taken quite a beating from the Thinkpad faithful (comments in the same announcement) for destroying the brand (Lenovo's response). However, the SL is still as good or better in build quality than an HP Pavilion or Dell Inspriron. However, if you want true quality you need to buy a R series, or ideally T (or W or X) series Thinkpad.

 

SL series does have these matte screen supporting resolution upto WSXGA+ (no LED backlit option though), also SL series comes with ThinkVantage software. As with the keyboard, I have seen some youtube videos of keyboard flex for those higher end T/R series notebooks & the one that I've got for my SL500, is a lot firmer while typing.

my 2 cents...