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Can someone convince me why the Y4 is still worth it?

It's just a 1.6 Ghz PM with a 60 GB HD without a DVD burner. That's a high price for a 'light computer' when the Sharp M4000 is a few hundred dollars less.

 

I have no insight on this notebook, we have a ToughBook T4 review to be published tomorrow a.m. that gives some insight into the "mystique" of the ToughBook series in general. To be honest though, seems to me the ToughBook is generally overpriced or just too niche for the average consumer.

 

OK, alternative view here...I own a Y2, the older sibling of the Y4. Panasonic is quite a conservative company and they build conservative notebooks. If you want light weight, great battery life and do simple tasks like word processing, excel, Power Point, drop digital photos into it and tweak them with PS Elements, or as a GPS base it is a great machine...especially if you travel. They are also tough and can take a bit more abuse. The current prices are about $300-400 USD cheaper than the units from 2003-04. About the only complaint that seems to be somewhat confirmed (but can be tweaked) is the screen has a somewhat washed out nature to it. Tweaking the color balance in the Ctrl. Panel helps somewhat.
When I want to go light this is the unit I grab! No one makes a perfect notebook and each one has it's drawbacks and imperfections. The CF-Y series has many desirable features but not all of them. It depends upon what you find most important.

 

Also, you get a 14" screen with a resolution of 1400x1050. That, combined with the weight and battery life, is why I ordered a Y4 yesterday. Yeah, it's pricey. But such a big high res-screen in such a small weight! Hopefully I'll still be saying this once it arrives.

 

It started with the Sony SZ160. I was very impressed with the machine... for the first week. Then I began to have problems with the software (hibernation/standby) and I began to become very sensitive to its blemishes (flexing keyboard, plastic hingers, etc). After three SZ's with similiar problems I moved on to...

The Thinkpad "Z" series. A very nice machine, indeed. However, wanting the core duo, means I will have to wait and wait and wait. Also, the screen - even if a SWGA+ becomes an option for the 14 inch "t" - is not as bright as I would ideally like. In addition, there have been complaints about the ABS plastic body.

That brings me to the just introduced Panasonic CF-74. I discovered this model when one of this site's readers mentioned Panasoinc offers a 500 nit laptop!

This model offers core duo and a 460 nit, touch pad screen. From the pictures I was very impressed. It is a most unusual, very cool looking piece of hardware. Adding to the mystique is the fact that although I live in LA it has been impossible to find a unit (the CF73 included) to see in person. I have spoken to five people around the country who have used the CF series and all agree this is one high quailty laptop. By the way, Panasonic told me thier failure rate is less than 5% compared to 30% with other manufacturers.

I know the weight is close to 6 pounds but all the folks I have spoken with claim that because of its built in handle the CF73 feels as light as a 3 pound laptop (and you do not need a case!)

My laptop will be used for general purpose only. I want a laptop that is as disinctive as a porsche and built like an SUV.

If anyone has any knowledge of this line please post. I want as much information before ordering this VERY coslty laptop (with blue tooth and 1 gig it will run about $3500). But don't forget they, like porsche, keep the same design for several years at a time.

Thanks!