Do I dare think of doing this? - Sell my CF-31 for a CF-53

So, all my co-workers have flogged me for even mentioning this but I was weighing out my options here.

My CF-31 is VERY heavy... I was thinking of switching to a CF-53. There are a few downsides though that I'm not so sure I'm willing to part with and I was hoping that someone on here that owns a CF-53 could advise with.

Advantages and reasons to switch:

1) Lighter - biggest reason
2) Still has a Touchscreen
3) Smaller
4) Still has GOBI 2000 with GPS
5) Better battery life (they claim 10 hours...)

Reasons holding me back:

1) No friggin backlit keyboard! - What were they thinking?!?!?!
2) No HDD heater for winter use (which I RARELY use anyways on my 31)
3) What about options for a shoulder strap to throw it over my shoulder?
4) What about HDMI output? - I have learned now that it DOES have HDMI
5) What about dedicated video card?

I found this one here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Panason...62478543?pt=Laptops_Nov05&hash=item23142efacf - I can get this SAME model from Ray from Rugged Depot for $1600.

Thanks for your thoughts guys.

P.S, I've only carried around a FULLY RUGGED for the last 6 years since I started with these things and I've only considered switching once - and that was to a 52 at the time (Before 53's were out), but couldn't part with the non-touch CF-52's and didn't want to spend the money for a 13" 52/touch.

P.P.S - it's a REAL PAIN IN THE @$$ when you can't look up the full spex on models because Panasonic STILL hasn't fixed their damn configurator!!!!!!!!

 

Rob on the backlit keyboard they show one listed as option on gettoughtoday.com for the cf-53. I am not sure about the video card, never seen the full specs on it. What does your current cf-31 have in it?

 

Rob,
I would say make the switch. The CF-53 is AWESOME. If I had the money, I would definitely purchase one.

As for you disadvantage questions/comments:

• They do have an Emissive Backlit Keyboard for it. I believe it is not available yet. I also heard it is the same as a CF-31's keyboard, just different tapings. (PLEASE DO NOT QUOTE ME ON THAT AS I AM NOT 100% SURE)
• They also do have the HDD Heaters however, they do not come standard yet.
• I don't know about the shoulder strap yet. Check this out to see if it helps.
• As for the dedicated Video Card, I believe that is only available in the CF-52 MK 4.

I also totally agree with you on the configurator. You would think a company like Panasonic would update that regularly.

 

WOW! I had no idea that the backlit keyboard would work in it! Then I think it's a done deal! Man!

Also, Comptronic, check my sig, it has my exact CF-31.

WAIT! One thing I forgot about that I use EVERY DAY that I L-O-V-E! My Fingerprint reader.... How to put a FP scanner on the 53??

 

Please just double check as I do not want to be responsible for it not working. I, myself, haven't tried to see if it works yet.

I believe you meant to direct that to ADOR. On a side note, that is a great model you have. Lucky. I'm jealous.

As for the Emissive BKB, check out this site. This is my favorite site in regard to Toughbook. Now everyone is going to know my secret.

 

I found this for even less from CDW: Panasonic Toughbook 53 - Core i5 2520M 2.5 GHz - 14" TFT - CF-53AAGZX1M - Notebook Computers - CDW.com

Ray is telling me that the aformentioned model is NOT a touchscreen and has NO BLUETOOTH

He gave me this model number CF-53ASGBX1M with a price of $2184

 

Bluetooth is an option on all CF-53's as they do not come standard.

The CF-53ASGBX1M means it has a SmartCard Reader in it.

 

Here is what I got from Ray: It would appear that I would want the 2nd model as it comes with a finger print reader. The list price on that one (CF-53ASGAY1M) is $2373. I would take my emmisive keyboard and GOBI card and put it on there since I already have them and no need to pay $2571 for something I already have.

Found it for $2123 here: http://www.provantage.com/panasonic-cf-53asgay1m~7PSOB3CW.htm

CF-53ASGBX1M

Win7, Intel Core i5-2520M 2.50GHz, vPro, 14.0inch HD Touch, 320GB(7200rpm), 4GB, Intel WiFi a/b/g/n, No Bluetooth, No 56k modem (RJ11), No FireWire(IEEE1394), Smartcard, Multi-drive, Toughbook Preferred

CF-53ASGAY1M

Win7, Intel Core i5-2520M 2.50GHz, vPro, 14.0inch HD Touch, 320GB(7200rpm), 4GB, Intel WiFi a/b/g/n, Bluetooth, No 56k modem (RJ11), No FireWire(IEEE1394), Fingerprint, Multi-drive, Toughbook Preferred

CF-53AUGZR1M

Win7, Intel Core i5-2520M 2.50GHz, vPro, 14.0inch HD Touch, 320GB(7200rpm), 4GB, Intel WiFi a/b/g/n, Bluetooth, Dual Pass (Upper:WWAN/ Lower:WLAN), No 56k modem (RJ11), No FireWire(IEEE1394), Gobi, Emissive Backlit Keyboard, Multi-drive, Toughbook Preferred




Comptronic, would you want to buy my CF-31 by any chance?

Thanks

 

"If it ain't broke, fix it `til it is broke."
-Panasonic Web Services

 

I just confirmed with Synnex to get it at $2080 and Ray will match the price too.

Thanks

 

Well, for the right price. As of right now, I'm on a tight budget.

Wait, I though you were taking the Gobi and Emissive BKB out...

I believe even Heartland would have to order this one from the Japan Factory due to the Dual Pass.

 

I just called Heartland and talked to the parts guys and they said that the 29/30/31 keyboard is NOT the same as the new CF-53 keyboard. The connectors won't line up or work at all. I got pricing below and it isn't even available yet:

CF-53 Emmisive backlit keyboard – CF-WKB533VM - $228.65

Damn... Decisions decisions... I may have to just go with the 3rd option as it has the GOBI and emmisive from the get go, but it doesn't have a finger print reader

I'm not so convinced that they people at Heartland are telling me the truth... This keyboard on the video HERE: Panasonic launches semi-rugged Toughbook CF-53, with optional LTE and CircuLumin touchscreen (video) -- Engadget Looks EXACTLY the same as my CF-29/30/31 keyboard....

Hmmmmm.

 

One of Ray's technicians just checked and the CF-29/30/31 Emmisive keyboard WILL work on the CF-53!

Heartland's techs are a bunch of liars!

Thanks

 

Any ideas if the CF-52 desktop port replicator bay will work with the CF-53? They are very costly: CF-VEB531U | eBay

 

I'll check tomorrow and let you know.

 

The CF-52 Toughbook takes the CF-VEB522M Port Replicator.

 

I just physically tried and it will NOT work. The CF-53 is a little smaller than the CF-52 and therefore it does not "click" into place. The CF-52 Port Rep is a little to wide.

 

Thanks for the info man . Hey, do you own a 53? I don't see it in your signature...

 

No problem.

I'd LOVE to own one but do not. One day I will...hopefully. By ten, Panny will have a CF-55 out.

 

If you don't own one, do you resell them? How do you have access to a 53 I guess I'm asking...

 

Nice to see the 53 comes with a webcam option. Was thinking about cf-19 for my next latop might have to look at the 53.

 

I personally hate netbooks and I think of the CF-19 as a Netbook. For me, it's just to small plus, it does have a Camera option however, its placed on the bottom of the laptop.

The CF-53 is the definite way to go as it's my favorite Toughbook so far.

 

I'm going with the 53 should have it in a couple weeks! Getting the touch screen and webcam version.

 

Wow, hello old thread!

Yeah, I ended up switching over to a CF-C1 MK2. I don't regret it yet

 

I considered the c1 like the tablet option, but went with the 53 anyway. not sure I like the 12 inch screen.

 

The 12.1" WIDESCREEN is SOOOO NICE! Seems SO MUCH bigger than a normal box screen... And going from a 13" box screen to this 12.1" widescreen doesn't seem to be much of a difference anyways perceptually size wise. With the higher resulution (1280x800) you actually see WAY MORE than you would with a standard 13" screen on my CF-31.

The screen on the 53 is even nicer though!

Initally it was a little getting used to the higher resolution on my eyes, but I'm totally used to it now!