If you are looking for an affordable yet powerful ThinkPad then this is where to start. The R series is designed to handle most of your demanding applications without you spending a lot. Currently there are 2 models to choose from in this line which are the R400 and the R500. These models differ in screen size from 14.1 inches to 15.4 inches.What is common among these models is the powerful processor used which is the Intel Core 2 Duo or the Intel Centrino Duo. If you need a business computer then the integrated Intel graphics adapter is best suited for you but if you need faster 3D rendering and blazing frame rates then you could also choose the model with discrete Ati Radeon graphics adapter.

Battery life on these models are excellent ranging from 6.5 to 10.9 hours on a single charge. This is more than enough to do all your computational needs on the go.

Quick Specs:

R400
Processor:  Intel Core 2 Duo P7370 2.0GHz
Display: 14.1 inches
Graphics: Ati Radeon 3470 256MB
Memory: 2GB
HDD: 250GB

R500
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 2.40GHz
Display: 15.4 inches
Graphics: Ati Radeon 3470 128MB
Memory: 2GB
HDD: 250GB