What different?

ThinkPad R Series and ThinkPad T Series, what different this 2 model?

 

The 14" models are near the same construction wise, with the R being slightly heavier and thicker. The 15.4" models are more different. The R lacks the lid roll cage. In either case the T series offers a few premium options that the R series lacks the better GPUs and WWAN.

 

The R400 and T400/T500 share the same construction/materials- the top is Super-Elastic PolyCarbonate (SEPC) and the bottom is Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Plastic. The R500 is made from PC/ABS plastic which is less durable and adds weight/bulk compared to the T500.

All R- and T-series have the ThinkPad Roll Cage built into the body (case) of the laptop to protect internal components and for added durability. But the R400, T400 and T500 also have a Top Cover Roll Cage in the lid to protect the display in case of a drop or other impact! The R500 doesn't have the Top Cover Roll Cage.

The T-series are also available with several options not offered on either R-series model (a non-issue if you don't plan to get any of these extras). Things such as dedicated graphics cards, SSD (solid state drive) options, mobile broadband, and some display upgrades are only available on the T-series.

Dimensions and weight are almost identical between the T400 and R400, they R400 is 0.1" thicker and weighs less than 0.1lbs more than the T400...they're nearly impossible to distinguish sitting side-by-side! The R500 and T500 are separated by about 0.2" thickness and more than 0.5lbs in weight.

So...The R400 and T400 are virtually identical in terms of construction, size and weight. If you don't require a dedicated graphics card, SSD, mobile broadband or a high-end display, the R400 is the way to save at least $100 over the T400! If you're more interested in a 15.4" model, the T500 is worth the higher price compared to the R500....

 

It's usually cheaper to buy the SSD afterwards and it'll work plenty fine in the R400/R500.

 

Thank you.

 

Thanks, Explain details.

For virtualization and CAD, which better? And which series battery can use up to over 3 hours?

 

I believe batteries from all T, R and W series are interchangeable (T400, R500, T500, R500 and W500).

For virtualization and CAD a good Core2Duo processor would do the trick, I recommend getting a P series processor for maximum battery life, but I would not expect the R400/R500 handling CAD because it lacks a powerful GPU, the W500 is geared to use for engineering/CAD application instead of the R400.

 

if you advice which better for virtualization and CAD? T / R series?