What is the PLUS in the ETS 125 REQ Plus?

[Toller]

I just bought a refurb Festool ETS 125 REQ for 25% off. I tried it and it is like a dream. Looks brand new, so if it is a refurb, they do good work.
BUT...I now see they have a "Plus" for the same price as the non-plus, so maybe my buy wasn't such a good deal after all. What is the difference between the two?

Mine has the VS on the back; rather than on the side.  I presume that is one difference.  Odd thing is...  the systainer and the packing slip both say "Plus", but have the number 571817.  The picture on the systainer is my sander.  I know I am confused, but I think they are also.

 

[Frank-Jan]

The plus in the modelname stands for that it comes with a systainer.
In some countries the tools also are available in a cardboard box, the plus version comes with a systainer, and then, for saws and some routers there's also a plus-fs version which comes with a systainer and a guiderail.

 

[Toller]

Oh geez; that's all?  I got a systainer.  Don't really want it, but got one.

So why is my VS on the rear and the in the photos they are are on the side?

 

[Scott in Bend Oregon]

With the VS control on the rear, you received a previous model EQ sander and not a current FEQ model.  The part number 571817 is for an EQ model.

 

[Toller]

Okay...  so what is the difference between the REQ and the EQ?  The only thing I can find is that Highland Hdwe says it is 250w versus 200w, but that's not true; mine says 250w.  What is it?

 

[GarryMartin]

We've tried to work out the naming conventions in the past but have never been 100% sure on "R";

R = Revised (updated)???
E = Electronics - variable RPM
Q = Quick (release?) - means it has a plug-it cord instead of a permanently attached cord

With regard to your specific question, one of the members has a review on his site that details the changes.https://topcoatreview.com/2017/02/festool-orbital-sanders/