Buying a CF-19 - MK7 or MK8?

I'm considering getting a CF19 mk7 or mk8. The mk8s are generally more expensive than mk7s.

I'm not sure if the additional cost of a mk8 is justified so just wanted to check I am not missing something obvious.

Other than the processor; the specs appear to be identical between the mk7 & mk8.

Curiously the mk8 is fitted with what appears to be an older and slightly slower processor.

mk7 3340M; mk8 3610ME.
mk7 3340M released q1/13; mk8 3610ME released q2/12
mk7 turbo clock speed 3.4ghz; mk8 3.3 ghz
max memory mk7 32gb; mk8 16gb
graphics clock speed mk7 1.25ghz; mk8 950mhz
Other than that, power consumption etc all appear to be the same.

https://ark.intel.com/compare/71257,65704

I'm sure that the small drop in performance wouldn't really be noticeable on a mk8 but what would justify the higher price? On the face of it, it seems that the mk7 is the better machine.

The only thing I can see that would be better on a mk8 is if it came with the optional camera or dedicated GPS. The camera is up from 3.0 MP to 5.0 MP and the GPS is a Ublox vs the SirfStar on the mk7 - but these are optional add ons...

Am I missing something or is the mk8 really a downspecced mk7 ?

 

I don't think you will notice the speed difference very much. What is the price difference between the two?

 

What tasks will you be doing with this unit? What will it be replacing?

 

Due to Microsoft not supporting the chipset the mk8 model could only use the embedded version Windows 7 for this processor. You would need an Enterprise version of Windows 7 Pro or a retail version to legally install Window 7. Windows 10 is supported, but also requires a license. There may be a few out there that came with Windows 8.1. So on the mk8 check the factory installed license. Pricing is pretty simple, newer Toughbooks are more expensive.

Keep in mind the camera models only have 1 expansion slot for memory. You would need to remove the bottom chassis cover to install 8GB, replacing the 4GB chip.

I would go with a mk6 or mk7. Max the memory at 8GB and use a SSD. Pretty much the same unit, not much performance change.

Go here for complete specification for all Toughbook 19's

https://www.mruggedmobile.com/panasonic-toughbook-cf-19-model-comparison-snapshot.aspx

 

Thanks for all the input ..

Just noticed this buried in the small print:

Mk7 screen brightness: 1000 nit without ambient light assistance. Up to 6000 nit in clear, sunny condition

Mk8 screen brightness: 500 nit without ambient light assistance. Up to 6000 nit in clear, sunny conditions

 

Good question ADOR. Answer is it probably won't be used for much at all. It's more a Toughbook hobby machine than to be used as an everyday computer.

I have a 19 mk 3, 4 and 6 and wanted to play with the 5 point multi touch digitizer that the mk7 & 8s have.

As above - when researching mk7 & 8s it appear than the mk8 is a downgrade on the mk7.....

 

Thanks for your input mr rugged. Very interesting...