About purchasing a used CF-28....

Hi guys, first time poster.

I need a durable, reliable laptop for my father and I was thinking of buying him a used CF-28 in good condition. After browsing through the current ebay offers, it seems that most laptops are missing parts and the cheaper ones aren't in very good shape. Even some of the more expensive ones aren't even tested or are also missing parts. Me, I just want a functional, decent looking laptop, without cracks, major scratches or missing parts.

Unfortunately, I have little ebay experience and never bought a used laptop before. Considering the durability of the Toughbooks, should I associate functionality with looks? Meaning that if a laptop is in good cosmetical condition I can assume that it was little used and it's probably fully functional? As I mentioned, some sellers offer the laptops as-is, without having tested them, so looks is the only thing I can evaluate. What's your opinion about this? What should I be careful about when purchasing a Toughbook on ebay, in addition to the seller's reputation?

Some sellers do offer some short limited warranty, but mainly to US buyers. I'm from Europe, unfortunately. I'll probably purchase the laptop through somebody in the US who will buy it and send it to me (for an additional fee) but if it proves to be a lemon it's gonna be difficult and costly to send it back and have it replaced.

I also have a few additional questions:
1. Will the CF-28 AC adapter work in Europe, with a 230V input? The adapter of my Asus notebook, for example, takes any input between 100-240V.
2. Are the normal screens on some CF-28 models better or worse than the touch screens? I'm referring to brightness level, contrast and response time.
3. Could you recommend any other good place (except ebay) to buy a used CF-28, where the prices aren't that high?
4. Considering that a lot of Toughbooks are missing port covers, is there any place to buy cheap covers? The ones that are on ebay have already reached ridiculous prices, due to demand.

Also, if anybody on this forum is selling a CF-28, please PM me with the condition of the laptop and a price. I'll pay through any method you prefer and you can send the laptop either to US or to Europe.

Thanks and sorry for the long post.

 

Disclaimer: This is my opinion, and will be different than others.

Do not buy a 600mhz machine, and of course I prefer the 1000mhz over the 800. Depending on the environment its going to be used in, I wouldent worry about missing PCMCIA/CDROM/Rear Port Covers.

I would only buy a fully functional unit...ie boots to bios as a minimum.

I have an original PANASONIC power supply which is marked AC 110-240V 50/60 hz.

All I have are Touch Screen models, so I'm not qualified to comment on non-TS brightness/contrast. The TS models are *very* poor viewing in bright sunlight. I have read some posts that the non-TS screens are quite bright.
I just couldent use one without the TS though...my main usage is for GPS.

 

Well I do have a TouchScreen 600 MHZ that I am about to list on Ebay, probably tonight. It is a complete package [all covers intact, working battery etc.], although I did not buy it that way.

I bought 2 of them sight unseen, and plan on keeping one. They did not have hard drives or OS. Bought the hard drives from a member here, and installed OS from backup disks.

I also have a CF-27 500 MHZ that works fine for web surfing and general computer tasks that will be for sale after I sell the 28.

BTW, I am a NooB here, with no real reputation. I do have 92 feedbacks on Ebay.

I will prob. have a buy-it-now price, but I will only ship to US address with confirmed PayPal.

I don't know if the mods will allow posting all the selling info here, but I can post the ebay link here later on if you are interested.

 

well i'm sure they wouldn't mind if you at least gave us your ebay user id. i tried "inspectorgene", but it doesn't exist

what do you inspect?

 

I do home inspections, so I am in poverty mode right now like just about everybody else connected with home sales.

Have not got it listed as of yet. Working on that right now, but just got disconnected somehow...

I am "inspectorguy" on ebay.

Original, huh?

 

Got it listed.

Ebay auction number 140203181388

I didn't use too much "puffery".

Maybe it will sell...dunno... being as how it is a 600

 

Cib3k,

Here is my 2 cents.

Concerning screens: My first 28 was a non touchscreen and now that I have also had 12.1" and 13.3" touchscreen models I would say that the 13.3" NON-touchscreen has the the best image. The 13.3" touchscreen produces a pretty good bright image as long as the protector screen is in good condition. The 12.1 touch screen is fairly gray in comparison to the rest...best for just basic operations...if you have to edit colors on graphics...forget the 12.1 touchscreen.

There are trade offs..If you want the best of both worlds I would recommend the 13.3" touchscreen. If graphics, pics or images is important 13.3" non touch is the way to go. If the machine is used primarily for communications then the 12.1" will be fine.

If your Pops is like mine, and cant stand the mouse, then he might like the touchscreen.

For what its worth...thats my experience with the different screens.

 

Welcome to the forum!

I just PMed you. I sell Toughbooks on ebay... Normally only to the USA but would think about Europe. I think that there are a few others here that may have one to sell after they upgraded recently. I'm sure a few of them will chime in.

 

Thanks a lot for the information, GlenB and kusa. And thanks also Toughbook, for the offer and the advise.

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Unfortunately something came up and I'll have to drop the purchase. Topic closed.