CF-19 MK1-3 alternatives

Notes on the first three marks CF-19 (1-2-3)
As reported elsewhere: http://forum.notebookreview.com/panasonic/728966-mint-15-xfce-cf-29-any-mark-1-5-a.html, Mint 15 works "swell" with all three marks! (except possibly for the front buttons).
I went a little further and found that an upgraded VistaPro to Win7 works a-okay in the Mk2 and Mk3 (after several re-boots), but NOT in the Mk1. Actually, the Mk1 worked okay, but there were errors that needed to be dealt with. Specifically Unknown Devices/Display Rotation Tool/ NewMisc drivers.
This result repeated when using a factory Panasonic restore XP disk in the Mk2, and then trying it in the Mk1. No go! XP does not play well downgrading from the Mk2 to the Mk1. However, after restoring the Mk2 to a factory VistaPro disk, I found that putting the drive/caddy into the Mk1 works well. Of course, there are updates/etc to deal with. The front buttons do not work except for brightness. These can probably be resolved using forum notes/etc. The fact that the Mk1 works okay with the Mk2 using Vista, and the Mk3 works well with Mk2 using Win7 is encouraging. I have three Cf-19's sitting here on the hotel desk that have been updated to windows Vista Pro working well. The Mk1 works well except for the front buttons (rotate, etc.).
Mk2 works very well with the upgraded Vista Pro to Win7 and works very well having been upgraded to Win7 following the guides elsewhere. The Mk3 works very well with a transplanted Mk2 caddy/hd with upgraded Vista Pro to Win7. All three Marks work very, very well with Linux Mint MATE and Xfce installsL I will report further results using links from the laptop forum pages for Linux. It has been told that there are several other "light" linux distros that might work well with our hardware, specifically the distros such as Lubuntu
lubuntu | lightweight, fast, easier,
Arch https://www.archlinux.org/,
AntiX antiX-Linux - Browse /Final at SourceForge.net,
Peppermint Peppermint | The Linux Desktop OS (based on Lubuntu), and Bodhi Bodhi Linux.
I am these on the CF-C1 using 32 Bit install, and then will report on the first 3 marks of the CF-19 using 32 bit.
I will be starting with a distro based on "Lbuntu" named "Pepperming". I'm downloading the iso now and will install on a usb stick using unetbutin. First up to bat will be the MK 1 CF-19, which has 460 hours and probably is worth more than it could be sold for. More to follow.

 

Update on operating systems for the MK1,2,3 CF-19. I made bootable usb install disks of the iso's for lubuntu, arch, antiX, and Peppermint. They all downloaded a <1 GB file that was made bootable using Unetbootin. The CF-19's were plugged into A/c power and bios changed to boot to the usb. I downloaded each operating system, and it became very apparent to me that I liked (and continue to like) Linux Mint 13, 14, and 15 better. Just personal preference, but Linux Mint downloads easily from their website and installs seamlessly on the the CF-19's. Touchscreen works on all three marks and the wireless network manager found and loaded networks easily. I was up and running in no time. The MK2 and MK3 touchscreens were "spot on" and did not need any re-calibration. The MK1 needed only minor adjustments as reported by Sadlmkr (jeff) in other posts on this forum. The emissive keyboard even works on a CF-29 MK5 that came my way today. Everything works on the CF-29 except for touch, but that is because the touchscreen is faulty. Linux (ubuntu) is a great way to test your system out and make sure all the hardware is working before you install the original operating system onto your toughbook and go through all the updates, only to find that a hardware issue exists not allowing the touchscreen to calibrate properly. I can highly recommend Linux Mint 13 LTS, as well as 14 and 15 MATE 32 bit for your early MK CF-19's. It's easy, it's free, and Mint is the 4th most widely used os in the world. The user guide and community website (forum) is chock full of great information. Let your fingers do the walking and "google" that for more information. Best regards, Cleve

 

I found this explanation from http://www.anthonynotes.com/2013/07/21/anthonys-linux-mint-15-xfce-post-installation-guide/:
About Linux Mint
Mint was initially based on Ubuntu, but now comes with Ubuntu-free, Debian-based versions. The Debian-based versions offer a choice of MATE or Cinnamon, which are forks of GNOME 2 and GNOME 3 respectively. The Ubuntu-based versions offer the choices of MATE, Cinnamon, KDE, or Xfce.

The Ubuntu-based versions of Mint are updated about a month or so after a new Ubuntu release. The Debian-based versions of Mint, however, offer “rolling” updates, which means there’s no new “version” of the operating system to every worry about upgrading. Instead, new versions of software (or new components of the operating system itself) are simply offered as upgrades when available.

For more information on Mint, see their website: http://www.linuxmint.com/


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free

 

For those considering a switch from XP to Linux this link might perk some interest:
Linux Mint Forums &bull; View topic - Can normal people replace XP with Mint?
Take care and keep on reading, best regards, Cleve

 

I have a dual boot CF-30 Mk1, with Windows 7 Pro and Ubuntu Linux. Give the choice every time I boot up I seldom choose Win7 anymore, except for GPS/Mapping applications! Windows is just too easily corrupted by the Internet and I never let it touch it anymore unless it really needs to, like for updates!

I would urge anyone that wants an industrial class OS that is as tough as their Toughbook, to give Linux a shot! The only reason I can think of not to do this is some particular program that must run under Windows, and some of those will run under Linux's WINE.

Do not let fear stop you. You can easily pick up a working knowledge of this OS in 30 days or less, and have fun doing it! A great friend of mine is in his 70's and was tired of Windows issues with viruses and malware. He tired Ubuntu Linux and has never looked back.

That said, I am quite disappointed in Viking and GPS in general under Linux on the Toughbook. But, the problem could just be me... I am still working on this problem.

 

Most users can run Linux in place of Windows w/no problems. My A31p has been running one flavor or another of Linux since just after I got it 4-5 years ago. I use it to check and send emails, do web searches, play music from my collection and display eBooks ,PDFs, docs and spreadsheets. Works great.
The popularity of tablets has helped with touchscreens and dedicated buttons, like display rotation, working out of the box. Information from Sadlmkr and UNCNDL1 has helped fine tune things, although I have yet to be able to get right-clicking w/the stylus working on a non-digital touchscreen.
Most people have a hobby, activity, sport or some other interest they use their computers for. That is where the problems arise, trying to use specialized software. If their interest is in something popular then there probably are programs, with active support and development, that will work very well for them. If their interest is in something not popular, in most cases, they have very little choice other than trying to get their Windows program to run under WINE. That can be a hit and miss proposition. Some programs run well, some not so much and others not at all. Personally, I don't bother with WINE.
I don't bother w/dual booting either. I find it just as easy to swap hdd's/ssd's, especially if the second drive is already in a caddy. Drives are cheap and if you have a problem w/one drive, you still have an OS ready to go while you deal with the failed drive.
GPS/Nav and cell card support and decent programs for them are the biggest problems I have w/Linux. I would sooner pay for something that works out of the box than spend hours and hours, sometimes weeks and weeks, trying to get the Linux equivalent working, and in a lot of cases meeting with sub-standard results, or not being able to get it working properly at all.
Unfortunately, I do not see the problem of non-mainstream hardware support, or specialized programs, being addressed anytime soon. I think that is the biggest problem holding back Linux from becoming the main OS of choice. Until that changes, I'll be staying 'dozed...windozed.

 

I agree whole heartedly with last several posts. I also have extra caddy's with windows & linux on them for the CF-29, Cf-C1, and Cf-19's-
still not willing to lock in on one or the other. I also know where to look for Linux help, on their forums:
http://www.youtube.com/results?sear....27.27.0...0.0...1ac.1.11.youtube.mrqhNcIurOIThis is where "newbies" post their questions. I still favor the Toughbook & ToughTalk forums, but I am partial to that.
I was able to make Netflix work in Linux, however then the system did not work properly. I use windows for Netflix and Linux for everything else (for now anyway). Just got a Amazon gift CARD for helping out some friends and ordered Google's Chrome Cast. I'll let you know. Not always convenient to have the port replicator handy to use the HDMI cable and stream Netflix via windows7 on the cf-c1 and/or the mac/apple mini max. My next endeavor is to explore VM & Wine to see if it suits my needs. Best regards, Cleve

 

Odd, Netflix runs great for me with Ubuntu 13.04 on a CF-30 Mk1.

 

I used this link to install: Install Netflix in Linux Mint, Fedora and Ubuntu - Tutorial - YouTube
Everything worked well (and yes, working in Terminal is somewhat scary).
This was onto Mint 13 & 15 on the CF-29 & CF-19. All worked a-okay the first time, but once I fell asleep and did NOT shut down the system correctly. Then I could not get things up and running again. No problem, all docs saved so just re-installed Linux Mint once again.

 

For those using Ubuntu 12.04 LTS and Gnome Classic Desktop, see this link here:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/lin...97-ubuntu12-04lts-gnome-classic-descktop.html
Interesting post as you read along, a link for Mate-the traditional desktop environment is given in post#2,
Post #4 goes on and show's you how to install Mate in Ubuntu using Terminal commands,
Post #6 quotes reasons why as "easier on resources, and has genuine Gnome 2.x feel"
What's really interesting, is the original poster then goes on to try Mate, and reports back that he "Likes it"!
Best Regards to All, Cleve

 

Linux Mint 13 xfce Bootcamp, Run Windows Programs Link:
Linux Mint 13 XFCE Bootcamp: #9 Run Windows Programs - YouTube
Very interesting fellow with lot's of knowledge for running your favorite Windows programs in Linux!

 

Hi,
Just seen this thread, i spent several months figuring out how to install windows 7 on a MK1 CF19 with all front buttons working..............well i did it,and not quite sure how.....i'm no geek believe me!!.

let me know,how i can share the info here,maybe from my device manager or other ways??? as i cannot remember the exact install procedure i did.
(Windows 7 Ultimate)
maybe it will help others here still trying.

 

Here are two other alternative os's that might work nicely on the CF-19's:
About | Manjaro Linux
Home | elementary OS
I'll report back with results next week (or so) on a CF-19 MK1 & MK2
Best regards,
Cleve

 

Just found another great resource link. If you are having problems making a bootable usb drive for Linux in unetbootin, try this program:
http://www.linuxliveusb.com/
Best regards,
Cleve

 

Update. Elementary OS (above) loaded quickly and works nice with a keyboard, but NO way to calibrate touchscreen. Got side tracked with Win 7 on the CF-30MK2, but now working on donated MK1 CF-19. Loaded XP factory install, but could NOT get on the internet. IntelProWireless connected quickly but IE kept kicking me out. I just loaded Linux MINT LTS Maya Cinnamon Edition from a disk, and it's working great. Followed Jeff's tutorial here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/panasonic/728966-mint-15-xfce-cf-29-any-mark-1-5-a.html
and the touchscreen works great. NO trouble with wireless either. Gotta search for a new keyboard, this bugger is history...Best Regards,
Cleve

 

I was snowed in for a few days with a MK2 CF-19 and doing some reading. Came across this site: LXDE.org | Lightweight X11 Desktop Environment
If the link does not load, just search "LXDE". It is a "Lightweight X11 Desktop Environment", an extremely fast-performing and energy-saving desktop environment. Scrolling over on their webpage, there are download links to try out LXDE using Debian, Fedora Spin, & Lubuntu 12.10
I then searched "Lubuntu" since I had never read up on it. Tons of information. Decided to download the ISO and loaded it on the MK2 CF-19.
As described in above postings & links, I used unetbootin to make a usb install of the iso. Popped in the usb drive and turned on the Toughbook. I hit the F2 key when the Panasonic blue screen splashed, and changed the boot order in bios before hitting F10 to save. The Toughbook re-booted and loaded into the install program, and installed easily. As always, make sure you have your a/c power connected and an internet connection available. I did a fresh install and wiped the harddrive. The operating system is indeed quite brisk, similar in many ways to Mint. It does not load everything that Mint does, but most of those programs are available under "system tools" using GDebi Package Installer, Lubuntu Software Center, Synaptic Package Manager. I loaded "Lubuntu Software Center", and in the search box typed "cali". Calibrate Touchscreen loaded as a choice, which I highlited & installed. When it is finished, Calibrate Touchscreen is found as a menu choice under
"system tools" at the top of the menu. BTW, you can also load this program in the "Synaptic Package Manager". Once loaded, search for:
"xinput-calibrator". This is the same program as Calibrate Touchscreen. Check the box, Marke upgrades, and Apply. The program will load along with any other recommended updates. It will prompt you with a screen shot of what is being installed/changed and off you go.
Now for the real reason I'm typing this information. When you run the Calibrate Touchscreen program, a Terminal opens up. Now don't get worried, Jeff has given many "tutes" on the dreaded T. Type in: "$ xinput_calibrator"
The Fujitsu component usb touch panel calibration loads. Now you can use your stylus to calibrate the touchscreen. The operating system is quite impressive, and this was the only little thing so far that is different from Mint on the CF-19. Great little program to try. BTW, you don't need to install the operating system, if you like you can just run it from the usb drive. Take care and be safe

 

NO WAY you say?
Sounded like a challenge.
ElementaryOS running and calibrated on CF-18MK5 like this.

Code:

sudo apt-get install gedit

. "cause I'm used to it."

Code:

sudo mkdir /etc/X11/xorg.conf.d

#makes directory for calibration numbers to live in.
Download xinput-calibrate from Software Center
From terminal

Code:

xinput_calibrate

#With an underscore.
Cut and paste results to

Code:

sudo gedit /etc/X11/xorg.conf.d/99-calibration.conf

and save.

During the process you will have two terminals or a terminal and text editor open at the same time. From force of habit I loaded

Code:

sudo apt-get install hal

Probably not necessary. Hardware Abstraction Layer =hal

Cleve, Can you check this and let me know if I need to edit. :hi2:

 

Made me think of HAL from 2001 A Space Odyssey.....

HAL: I'm afraid. I'm afraid, Dave. Dave, my mind is going. I can feel it. I can feel it. My mind is going. There is no question about it. I can feel it. I can feel it. I can feel it. I'm a... fraid. Good afternoon, gentlemen. ............

 

Good evening, Shawn. There is no need to be afraid. You are reliving a scene from the movie '2013 A Shawn Oddity'. Lay down, take deep breaths and the feeling should pass in a bit.