Thinkpad LCD cables.

[Thinkpad4by3]

Some of the TP cables used a flat flex type and others used a round cable through a "gutter". What were the advantages and disadvantages of each and why did IBM & Lenovo use both types seemingly randomly.

W700 vs W701(top and bottom respectively)
https://i.imgur.com/zo9HkzE.png

[TPFanatic]

Attention to detail, much... I never noticed that difference between the W700 and W701.

Some models like T30 and A31p use a flat flex type and a gutter.

And all models post T400s send the LCD cable through the hinge.

The benefit of sending wrapped cables through the hinge/gutter is that they are cheaper than ribbon cables, which I'd assume because the R61 and R500 used gutters instead of ribbon cables.