CF-74 and CF-52 caddies compatible?

I just picked up a used CF-74 sans HDD and caddy, and either need a new HDD including caddy or a caddy. I know that caddies are generally not interchangeable between different toughbook types, but in photos the connections on the CF-74 and CF-52 caddies seem identical, and there are many more (and cheaper) CF-52 drives available than for the CF-74. Has anyone tried a CF-52 caddy in a 74, and does it work? Thanks.

 

Welcome to the Toughbook forum and no the 74 will note fit in a 52 or 52 in a 74...sorry...
So are you saying that you have a 74 caddy or do you just have the 74 laptop ? because the caddy will cost you more than the laptop cost you. A 74 caddy is about $130.00 used on ebay.

Bookmark this search...this is the one we use for searching the Toughbook forum.

Let me teach you to easily search this site! Replace the word "TEST" for your search!​

 

I had some on eBay for $99 and sold out quickly, should get some more in about a week, keep an eye out on eBay or send me a message.

later

 

Thanks for the info. I bought the Toughbook 74 with neither the HDD nor the caddy, and now realize it would have been better to spend a bit more for one with an HDD and caddy or at least a caddy.

I won't receive the laptop till sometime this coming week, and will have to look at it before deciding whether to spring for a new caddy and drive, or do something else.

Thanks again.

 

You are finding out what others find out...What did you pay for the 74.

 

(Regarding price of CF-74)

Sorry for the late response. I have been off the forum for a few months.

I paid about $130 for the 74, without the HDD and caddy. I later picked up the caddy for $80 on ebay. I bought the laptop despite not having the HDD& caddy because it looked to be in very good shape and showed only 300 operating hours. It's a Core Duo 2GHZ.

I subsequently picked up a faster CF-74, with Core 2 Duo 2GHZ. Most recently I picked up a CF-52G w/Core 2 Duo 2.26GHZ, which I am using for my main home computer.

Regards,

 

I see you have been bitten by the Toughbook bug...:wink:

 

I know the caddy is different but did Panasonic keep the same hard drive cable for these units?

 

I know this is a 3 year old thread. But kind of feel obligated to make a slight correction to Toughasnails answer. Actually yes, with a SLIGHT mod to the carrier, it fits quite nice and securely into a 74's bay. I've been using one for a few years now. All that was needed was a slight trim at the outer edge of the plastic side of the carrier. Did my shave with a hack saw blade. Now it is NOT a perfect fit but it's not failed me once yet. I'll try to post some pix later if anyone is interested.

 

Yes we did know that BUT myself as a seller I could not sell one with the wrong caddy in it. Buyers pay good money for there Toughbooks and don't want something that was thrown together. If you look at it you can tell it's not the right one (color) for it...that would bug me and also would give me a bad name as a seller.

 

Ahhhh. That I can see, from your perspective, one of a seller with an impeccable reputation. However, as a TB owner that has been desperate to have a functional machine, the 52's HDD caddy makes an eight out of ten star substitution. Especially when that is is what is in ones price range, for me at that time free.
To be honest, I have grown rather fond of the one I use and have often thought of picking up another and using the rather attractive metal section in one of the 74's plastic sections. I find the "window" to be aesthetically pleasing, as well as imagine it has to assist in keeping heat down in the caddy.
Again, it is NOT a perfect substitution. However it is better than just a ribbon and some foam by far. Mines even survived multiple drops with no issues.