CF-29 Photos (Sono's)

I enjoy photography so I thought I'd start a thread of photos of my Toughbook CF-29 doing various things.

First, a comparison of the dimensions of the CF-29 vs my other laptop, something called a VPR Matrix 185A5, an all magnesium laptop made by "Best Buy" around 2002. It is 13.9"x10"x1.21". That sounds all well and good, but this beast also weighs 6.5 lbs! It is heavy! The Toughbook is 11.9"x10.7"x2.6". It is almost twice as thick as the 185A5, but it only weighs 7.6 lbs...amazing that Panasonic could make a laptop this rugged but still weigh only 1 lb more than an "ultrathin" 15.4" display laptop.

I gave up on the VPR Matrix when its slot-loading CD ROM died, the battery ran out of juice, and both USB port tabs snapped off. Then the built-in wi-fi signal reception got really bad, then stopped working. Then it started getting extremely hot and the fan ran all the time. Very noisy and annoying. Then one day the hard drive made a funny noise and windows gave me a BSOD. Then I knew it was time to move on...

Real weak compared to the CF-29.

 

And of course, the Toughbook vs...a book? The Toughbook is a beefy, manly beast. But the built-in carry handle makes it feel like nothing

 

One thing good about the Toughbook is that it is fairly stable. In fact, it can stand on its edge like a briefcase. I don't think any other type of laptop can do this.

It is very useful if I need to put the book away at home. It takes up very little space compared to other notebooks that have to lay flat. Then, when I need it, I just pick it up by the handle.

 

One thing I like about the Mk4 CF-29 that I have is that it has an SD card slot built in. This is great because as a sometimes photographer, I use SD exclusively with my Canon DSLR bodies. So now I can take my photos and do my editing on the road anywhere, even outside on a hike!

Notice though that my power cord cover is ripped off Many CF-29's on EBAY are like this for some reason. I must find a new one...

 

The Toughbook CF-29 next to another Magnesium "hardbody", the Canon EOS-1D Mk2. With the lens it weighs about the same as the CF-29. But it is not so rugged.

I promise to take better care of my new Toughbook.

 

ARRR its toughbook fever!!!! Nice 29...

 

Whaaaat?! I'd say it's JUST as rugged, especially with an L lens. My mkIIn and I have travelled Hong Kong & China over and it's with me everyday for work in my trunk from frozen -30 to baking 40ºC weather. That said, so has the Canon 40D but I've only been in pouring rain with the IIn without a rain cover!


And yeah, my power port covers are gone too.. the plastic doesn't like to be flexed too many times.

 

Repairing the bottom memory cover. The old one had a scratch.

 

Repairing the rear cover that some rough fellow dented. The door did its job and protected the machine! But the replacement door was not so cheap

But now it is looking perfect! The obsession continues!!

Also, look at the new seal against the old seal. It looks like over time the seals get squooshed.

 

And last but not least....replacing the port covers.

Now my Toughbook is sealed from the elements once again!!

 

Looks like someone tried to dock the machine without opening the door.

 

I guess I am just a big 'fraidy cat because I always think of cameras as weak with the mirror box and the shutter and all that glass. But you are right I guess the 1D Mk2 is pretty tough!!

Yes, I noticed that the plastic is not flex-friendly! Rather stiff. I wonder why they did not use Silicone or Neoprene?

 

It can save you a bet of money if you change the plastic piece cover alone not the whole back cover assembly. Just an info.


ohlip

 

thanks ohlip for the advice!

Unfortunately, it was not only the rear slide cover that was damaged... the entire rear door was sort of "Dented in" (hard to explain).

Let me see if I can show a better picture of the old door...

 

Yup... It happens when people try to slam the laptop into the mobile mount and it is off track... Either that or it was dropped. I've seen many...