Help with buying A CF-29

Hello

I have been lurking on here for a while and I have finally decided to jump in and build/mod/tweak a CF-29. Thanks to all the members that have given me ideas!! So I found this tougbook on craigslist. I emailed him to confirm the model number because I did not get a result when I went to look it up on the panasonic website, but i could have done it wrong. He emailed me back and said that he copied it straight from the label. Whats your thoughts? Good deal? Jump on it? I believe I could, with the help of you guys, fix the touchscreen.

^RUGGED^ Panasonic Toughbook CF-29 Pentium M 1.4GHz 1GB Win XP Wi-Fi

Thanks
Nick

 

That's because with the recent redesign of the Toughbook Configurator, it no longer displays "custom-built" Toughbooks (like the one below).

The listed " SD card reader" must be a PC Card add-in, as these units do not have a built-in reader (that started in the CF-29s with the Mk4s):

Model Number: CF-29HTM50BM
Status: DISCONTINUED
MSP: $3,631.00
***SBC ONLY***
Intel Pentium M 738 1.4GHz LV (Centrino), 13.3" XGA Transmissive Touchscreen, 512MB RAM, 40GB HDD, Intel PRO/Wireless 2951ABG 802.11 a+b+g WLAN, Windows XP Pro SP2, Tempo VIP Sidekick Tester/ADSL Loop Validator Media Bay Interface, Sony-Ericsson GC83 EDGE WWAN (Cingular/AT&T), Single Hi-Gain Antenna Pass-Through Connector, SBC logo, Asset Tag, Replaceable RJ11 Jack

" SBC" = Southwestern Bell Corporation (now: AT&T Inc.)

Some here hate these; while some love `em! (see my SigFile )

 

Ok, 2 questions- Why do people hate them? So would you buy it?

 

Usually the ones who hate these are Toughbook refurbishers/sellers who feel the market has been "flooded" by these, thereby driving selling prices down (no names ; and I don't think so anyway).

No; but it's because I currently have four of these and am looking at CF-30s now.

 

But if you did not have 4 already and were still playing with 29s...you would buy this? Do you feel the price is fair? Thats what i was meaning.

 

I'd buy it if I wasn't overstocked. Oh oh. That is not an emissive keyboard. Should have a white line across the space bar. Right TC88?
Doesn't matter...the hard drive and caddy are worth $125??? And it has a power supply. All you NEED is a battery.

 

Correct; but the SBC Models didn't have the Rubber or Emissive Backlit keyboards installed when SBC purchased (leased, actually) them; nor when they were put on the Used market.

@NickH98765: If you decide to get this be sure to get an OEM Panasonic battery when you buy one ( yellow tab is preferrable; blue works, too); not an aftermarket or rebuilt one.

 

Thanks TopCop. I think I will go purchase it. It will be a good starting point to customize. I am happy this has a HD and HD caddy. Those are almost what I would pay for this whole computer.

 

Since I'm certain the Seller did not use the genuine Panasonic CF-29 Series Product Recovery CD-ROM set, be sure to "bookmark" this official download site:

Panasonic CF-29 Mk3 drivers downloads

 

Question about that since you brought it up...If I plan on upgrading the HD using the directions in the FAQ/official thread...should I do the hard drive swap then load the recovery CD?

 

Yes. The Product Recovery CD-ROM set places the original hard drive factory load image onto a blank drive. If there is anything there now, it will be "blanked" by the Recovery CDs.

I have used the Product Recovery CD-ROM sets on all my CF-29s < >, rather than going through all the hassle of loading base XP, then having to load all the Panasonic drivers one-at-a-time. < >

 

I have a few extra OEM batteries, used but work OK. Shoot me a PM or email if you're interested.
-Ken

 

Blair (toughasnails) may have a CDROM. Alex had some but he's absent.

 

PM sent