Why T61 over R61

From everything I read there isn't much difference between the R61 and the T61 other then the R61 is a tad thicker. Have I missed something that justifies the extra cost of the T61 (not a lot extra but still...)?

 

To me, every little bit of thickness counts. Also the T series has a certain prestige about it, I guess. You really can't go wrong with either T or R at this point, though - they are basically the same.

 

The R61 also weighs more, 0.2 lb more. Add that with a 7 cell battery and you get pretty close to the weight of the 15" T61.

The 15.4 R61 might lack a LCD rollcage from what I heard on the forum, but I call up and ask if I was interested.

 

1lb=16 ounces
.2lb=3.2 ounces ≈ 91 pennies

The R61 measures in at a whopping 1.2" thick
The T61 measures in at an amazing 1.1" thin
.1 inch ≈ .254centimeters ≈ 3 credit cards (combined thickness)

It would make sense to me that a larger laptop (assuming same internals, as we are with the R61 and T61) would provide greater airspace, and marginally improved air flow translating to improved heat transfer.

I say, save a few bucks opt for the R61 (or put it to a larger HD, or nifty accessory) and carry your hefty laptop around like you mean it. That way you can compute on the go all the while improving muscle tone.

 

0.1 inch is how much the T61 is thicker than my old T61. It's actually a surprisingly large difference. To me, at least.

 

same:
new cooling system
super elatic polycarbonate lid
carbon fiber reinforced case
roll cage in case
roll cage in lid (14.1" R only)

different:
NO roll cage in lid on 15.4" R
NO turbo memory available on 15.4" R
thickness (14.1"):1.09"-1.26" vs 1.2"-1.37"
thickness (15.4"): 1.2"-1.4" vs 1.39"-1.52"
weight (14.1"): 5.0 vs 5.2 lbs (4cell)
weight (15.4"): 5.9 vs 6.4 lbs (6cell)

 

It's also important to note that the R61 15.4" isn't even out yet.

 

The T61 has a WWAN option, the R61 not.

 

Absolutely yes it is!

That is one of the reasons that longtime experienced thinkpad dislike the Thick T61. T61 is the fattest & bulkiest 14" T-seires thinkpad in many years. Boooo!

 

Oops, meant to say "my old T41". Yep, my first impression when I pulled it out of the box was "daym, that's kinda bulky." But now it seems thinner than paper, heh.

 

Would one run cooler and quieter? That's my MAIN criteria and the 14.1" screen would be nice as well

 

responded to your PM and your other post.

 

Did they make it thicker because of the new cooling system or the LCD roll cage? Maybe they thought the trade off was worth it for more LCD protection.

 

Probably you are right on all of that.

But roll cage in lid for .1" is a tradeoff I'd take. Necessary imo since they've moved from magnesium lids to plasti-- ERR! SuperElasticPolyCarbonate lol, because the LCD on mine didn't make it even 2 years- it is plastic and has no roll cage (in lid). One of the burns about having bought a t60 in 15" just to get the flexview- not one of the t60's with magnesium lid. Was too tempting though. I'll just have to take better care of this one.

If you go plastic, I'd go a little thicker and get some bones underneath. imo only, ymmv.

 

If both the R61 and T61 are so similar, then why did Lenovo decide to create both? Isn't that just a waste of money on R&D?

 

I own both and prefer the T61. It's not as bulky as and seems to have a better build quality. The R61 has a loose palmrest which has been noted in other threads. The price difference is really not that much...it's worth it to get the T61. I would not get another R series but would definitely get a T again.

 

I haven't had the pleasure of a T61. But the R61's quality that I do have is outstanding and to save .1" in thickness and .2 lb in weight is not worth $100 to me. Just my 2 c.

 

What corners did Lenovo cut to make the R61 about $100 cheaper than the T61? Can someone explain the internal differences?

 

Resell Value may be a factor because the T61'S are more desirable and if you ever want to upgrade yourself,would be easier to unload.

 

not much actually. Its probably just the thinness and weight reduction that made the T61 more expensive. Also, the R61 15" doesn't have the LCD rollcage.

edit: I didn't know someone would reply while I was writing this post this is a reply to post 18

 

^ Maybe a marketing stunt?

I bought a T61 14.1" for the sake that there was this special if you buy with a Visa (save like $150), and it came with an nvidia videocard which I couldn't get when configuring an R61. Add that to the praise that people say about the T series, I can say that this has been one of the best purchases I've ever done.

 

There used to be a bigger difference in previous models, and there may be again in the future. but the current t-61/r61 are quite close, particularly the 14". But, for less than 10% difference I got the t.

 

just wait until the next generation, the differences will be more pronounced...