CF-18 PC edition to Tablet edition

I have a CF-18FHAZBBD model and was wondering if it can be changed to a tablet edition?

 

OK, if you are running Windows XP Pro, then yes - there are sites that will give you links to the legal MS software and instructions to do it. I tested it on two 28's and a 19 and it worked. You will need to edit the batch file they give you, but it can be done.

Google "convert XP pro to tablet" or something like that to find it all.

EDIT: I used this:

hxxp://micropctalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2656&highlight=Convert+tablet

and this to do it:

hxxp://www.winasm.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=2845

 

Bozombi -

First off, welcome to the forum!

Next - Go to the ToughBook configurator here:

Panasonic Toughbook Configurator

And verify that your ToughBook IS IN FACT a digitizer model (I believe the F in your model means touchscreen); it needs to be a digitizer in order to use Tablet PC.

If so, you should be able to find a vendor on eBay or a forum member who can help you out with a set of recovery media for your unit.

Welcome to the insanity!

mnem
'tized.

 

Mine is a touchscreen edition but I have a digitizer screen that I can replace the touchscreen with. If I do that would I just need a set of recovery cd's with tablet edition?

Thanks for your help.

 

Bozombi -

There's more to the digitizer than just the screen itself; there's a control PCB and associated wiring as well, plus the digitzer pen, of course.

Or did you mean you have a complete LCD / top half, ready to plug into the MB / bottom half? If so, then yes, that SHOULD be plug & play to get you a working digitizer. After that, it should become available to enable in the BIOS, and THEN yes, the recovery media would be all you need to go to a fully functional version of Tablet OS.

Others on this forum with more experience re: the CF-18 may know better than I do; I'm sure they'll chime in now that this thread has more hits.

mnem
Don't touch me there!

 

Yes it has a WACOM controller and stylus pen. Does anyone know where to get recovery cds for tablet edition and if so would I need different product key then the one I have?

 

If you are planning on doing an OS install, getting the software for Tablet PC is practically impossible. I have two touch and two digitizer 18's (man, I did not think I had that many! This stuff really catches up with you!) and I run XP Pro on one and Vista on the other. While XP Pro does work, Vista (and even better W7) are made with all the Tablet functions included. I would highly recommend either the Vista or W7 if doing a clean install. They both have more functionality than the XP Pro. Remember that you cannot do an upgrade to W7 from XP (well, you can, but it is a real PITA!), but if you install Vista and wish to upgrade it is an easy process>

 

Bozombi, Set your preferences in UserCP to accept email. I think I can help you out. Digitizer restore disks are rare, but they do exist
CAP

 

Thanks to all. Captain Dogfish I can now accept emails.

 

Welcome to the forum! Perhaps you have already found them, but as you are new here, I'll pass along some additional resources are available in the stickied " Ultimate Toughbook Resource Thread," including a link to a post on how to install Windows 7 on a CF-18 mk1 digitizer model.

I am running Windows 7 on my CF-18 mk1 digitizer, though I would note that I have maxed out the RAM (to 1.25 GB) and replaced the hard drive with a solid state drive. As noted already, Windows 7 includes tablet features, and I really like the improvement of those features since XP Tablet PC Edition.

 

You can not install the digitizer screen to to a touchscreen motherboard as it has different connector. I mean the touchscreen mbo. has only two connector while the digitizer mbo. has three. For your info.


ohlip

 

Woops!

Thanks for your input there ohlip; I wasn't sure if there was a difference or not.

bozombi, looks like you're kindof stuck with a touchscreen unless you want to swap out MB AND LCD; at that point, you'll prolly be time & arse-ache ahead to just look for a Digitizer model CF-18 with a cracked LCD... Then you'll have that "one more Toughbook"...

mnem
D'OH!

 

Bozombi, sorry about that, I was thinking about how to get you the restore disks, not about the screen change. If you do get a digitizer put together let me know and we'll see about some restore disks.
CAP

 

I mean, there is a switch on the mobo, where u can set 'tablet pc' or 'legacy pc'. Have a look for 'system-id' or 'SYS_ID0' in the schematic. U have only to place an resistor from one side (+) to the other (ground).

 

I'm not sure what your saying onirakkiss. Does anyone know where I can get a schematic?