CF-73XCVTSBM Desireability and Upgrade Path

How upgradeable is a CF-73XCVTSBM?
It currently has a Pentium-M 2.0, 512MB RAM, 80GB HDD and a CDRW/DVD-ROM drive.
I'm assuming the HDD is PATA.
Is this a model I should stay away from?

Thank you

 

Toughbooks are generally not very upgradeable because the processors are soldered on for most models and they typically have only 1 RAM slot. The X version of the CF-73 is the fastest and I'm a fan of those later model CF-73s. The built-in SD reader is nice, they have decent video graphics, and usually the touch screen works good. They are a handy size with reasonable battery life.

That CF-73 takes the faster DDR2 memory, you can add a 1G stick to get 1.5GB max. The hard drive is PATA -- put in a nice Samsung HM160HC and you won't regret it. Can also upgrade the wifi card to a powerful EnGenius 8602+S if necessary.

But be warned about Toughbooks: They grow on you, after a while you may find that one is not enough ....... (check my sig line ;-)

 

Yes, I'm already hooked. I got a CF-51 Pentium-M last year and a CF-51 Duo Core this year. It took me forever to find an original power adapter that didn't cost an arm and a leg. I fixed-up the Duo Core and gave it to my brother. I miss it already. The Pentium-M is awaiting a HDD and RAM. DDR is expensive.

I understand I can upgrade his Duo Core to a T7600. I think the T7600 is too pricey but I would like to upgrade it to a T7500 someday. My Pentium-M can be upgraded to a 2.0GHz.

HEY! I was outbid on the CF-73. Was that you? ... ha, ha.

 

Suggest upgrading the CF51 with a T7200. Almost as fast as the T7500 and can be found for under $50.

 

The T7500 will not work in the CF-51s. Try maybe the T7400 or T7200. The difference in speed is so small you will not really see the difference unless you are using some CPU intensive program. Even then the difference is not all that great. For normal everyday use the T7200 would suffice. At least for most of us.

 

have used both cpu's and can't tell an overtly significant difference between the T7200 and T7600. but in my mind I believe there is an improvement. OK guys, lets leave the mind comments alone............Driller

 

I've owned a CF-73Y for the past two years and I loved it. Just because it's not fully ruggedized doesn't mean that it can't take some licks...mines survived more than one five foot drop to concrete.

Touchscreen, 2GB RAM, a 320GB HDD, and you can run Windows 7 on them. They're good laptops that will stand up to just about anything you can throw at them.

 

I found another CF-73, bid and won it.
It's damn sexy. I'm looking for drivers now.

 

Has anybody tried the T7400 in a CF-51 ? I know the T7200 and the T7600 works but the T7200 @ $40.00 is more bang for your buck

 

I can't seem to get the hotkeys or the touch screen to work in W7.
I ran the calibration software and the red "+" signs showed and reacted to my touching them but if I touch say "Post Quick Reply" on this page to post this message ... nothing.

 

Is the 73Y SATA? I thought the largest PATA is 160GB.

 

It should still have IDE hookup, they make 320gb 2.5 IDE harddrive 5400 rpm.