How long can you run a Toughbook?

I use one of my CF-29's almost exclusively to read books I download from the public library. I'll pass by the Toughbook, take a break and read a few pages or a chapter then maybe go back to the Toughbook 30 minutes to an hour later and read some more. I've started leaving the unit on for several hours but am checking it carefully.

I'm concerned about heat issues since the TB does not use a fan, so I've adjusted the power option in the Control Panel to shut the hard drive and monitor down after about 3 minutes.

Using this setup keeps my temp reading at under 47 degrees over an extended period of time.

Does anyone else leave their unit on for an extended period of time and if so, is this the best way to keep a CF-29 cool? Yes, I've already applied Arctic silver and it has been a big help.

 

My CF-30 is on every day, 10 hours a day at full blast with no rest... NO problems here... it usually runs at 45C...

 

I've seen some that had 22K hours registering in bios and one on ebay showing over 28K hours now, a mk 4. With a little adding fujipoly to the heat pipe when you take off the bottom plate, it may give a little better readings on keeping it's cool. The military uses these units a LOT and as long as temps stay in 50's, should there be a problem? don't think so. My cf-29's with this little added heat dissapation padding added makes my lap feel a bit warmer. I guess that means less heat on cpu and graphics chip. frozencpu is where I got the thermal pad material both in the 1.5mm and 0.5mm thickness.............Driller

 

Yeah the Toughbooks we had on the gate were not allowed to be turned off. It runs plates of cars that drive near and alert us when stolen or other vehicles approach.

As for me mine can be on for 9+ hrs. below is a link to my stand that I use. W/o the fan the computer still stays in decent temps.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k280/merc6/abc4a49d.jpg

 

Don't be concerned about heat issues
The fully rugged models were engineered to use a heat pipe system that dissipates the heat throughout the base
Your CPU will be just idling and you will not harm it

 

Appreciate all the feedback. I'll look into possibly adding the pad if the temp ever creeps past 50 degees and will no longer worry about leaving unit on!

 

I'm also running this on both units.

SpeedswitchXP

 

I sold my CF-29 MK5 after 2 years of 35,000 hrs (don't ask me how I did it, I don't remember) Make long story short...It will run until it will die and by that time you'll want to buy a new one any way (the technology will be different in10 years)

The only thing that can stop these Toughbook from working is a bomb.
well, not realy.

 

That's great for life expectancy but what about battery run down? Mine claims to hold about 4 hours and drains pretty fast.

I was considering a new battery and looking at ebay there are plenty but I am not sure how compatible the ones listed are. Any suggestions?

 

First do a battery refresh on the last page of the Bios Setup Utility.
If it shows lots of wear, then make sure you get a PANASONIC battery.
There are usually good buys on ebay for new ones.
If you are lucky you will find a new one with a yellow tab. (Higher quality)

Bob