New-to-me Toughbook

[RobinP]

Finally, the CF-29 toughbook came in the mail today. It's a used one, but in adequate condition (a little bruised but everything works).

This one is the full-size model with a touchscreen, not the tablet pc version. The thing feels bomb-proof; our last expedition laptop couldn't cut it - the screen hinges broke, keys fell off - a few months rattling around in a truck and it was useless.

Does anyone else use these?

 

[Bighead]

I've used different versions of the Toughbook (CF-M34, CF-18 and CF-19) for many years. Did you happen to get the sealed keyboard?

 

[UK4X4]

Diferent models, we use the CF-19 here at work for both our logging rig and also for semi permanent field installations.

Ie in a steel box in a field in Colorado....as they are one of the few units to
have such a wide operating range as far as temperatures go.

 

[Carlyle]

I use two of the CF-72 Toughbooks with great results. Go to this site for tips on how to upgrade: http://toughbook.wikispaces.com/ It's a great source of info for drivers and minor repairs. I used it to boost my ram and do some minor stuff.

One nice thing about Panasonic, they actually answer the phone when you call the Toughbook division! No going through Dell World to find a person who barely speaks English.

 

[RobinP]

I've used different versions of the Toughbook (CF-M34, CF-18 and CF-19) for many years. Did you happen to get the sealed keyboard?

Do you mean the rubberized one? We didn't. Some of the keys were broken off, so I did buy another keyboard for it, but my wife hates typing on the rubber versions so we got another standard chicklet style.

We want a backlit one, but they're so hard to come by - we keep looking on eBay, one will show up eventually.

I thought the standard keyboards are still sealed. The rubber ones are just more durable - correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[Bighead]

The ones I work with now (CF-19) have a fully sealed (rubberized) keyboard. The last time I ordered any Toughbooks, the open keyed boards were standard and advertised as resistant to dust. The sealed rubberized boards were an upgrade option from Panasonic. That was a few years ago and something might have changed since then.

They are good, durable computers...enjoy.

 

[1leglance]

my toughbook has been just that TOUGH with a great screen that I can see in full sun...
however due to wgt and size I am trying out a fujitsu lifebook with a 10" touchscreen....not sure if it will do the job though...
I might start looking on ebay for a smaller toughbook than the other one I have CF-50 I think

 

[Bergger]

Our patrol cars have the CF-29 and they are really nice. I too hate typing reports on the rubber keyboards and prefer the backlit normal key board. Next month we are supposed to be getting some CF-30s. They are supposed to be 50% brighter than the CF-29 which will be awesome in the bright sunlight.

 

[Dave]

We've been running a fleet of Toughbooks in our patrol cars and ranger vehicles for the past seven years. All in all, they've held up pretty good. Most are out of commission now, but seven years is a long time if you ask me. Some of the most common problem areas we've seen are power supplies, hinges, and keyboards.

We're in the process of replacing them with Data 911 units.

 

[Andrew Walcker]

however due to wgt and size I am trying out a fujitsu lifebook with a 10" touchscreen....not sure if it will do the job though...

Let us know how you like the lifebook. I've been thinking of doing the same thing due to the exact same reasons with my TB.

 

[UK4X4]

The CF-19 has a 10" touchscreen and it reverses to act as a panel PC too.

with a stylus, and screen pivot you can mount just about anywhere....

Can't see the stylus working off road though......bang ooops and a hole in the screen

 

[targa88]

Where would you find a Toughbook (not full retail)?

 

[Bighead]

Can't see the stylus working off road though......bang ooops and a hole in the screen

I would agree for high speed Baja-style driving but during low speed off-road driving the stylus and touchscreen worked like a champ for me.

 

[1leglance]

currently on ebay there are some good deals on toughbooks...
hard-drive space is the issue I keep coming up against..
especially with the size of the maps for oziexplorer and then some music and photos and bonk you are full

on the Fujitsu I plan to do a full write-up soon but notes for now are...
screen not as bright or visible as the toughbook
hard-drive is too small
sssssssllllllllllllooooooowwwwww not so slow I want to toss it but slow enough to make me notice
none of these are deal breakers yet..
the other issue is dust but it seems that if I clean it after each outing it is ok

 

[BogusBlake]

I've had my eye on a CF-19 for a while, ever since we used some to run test software in the field at my last job. They're cool.

You can get a refurbished one on Amazon for about $400.