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    Little hole on hinge CF-30

    Discussion in 'Panasonic' started by Grif054, Jan 1, 2009.

  1. Grif054

    Grif054 Notebook Guru

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    Is the little hole on the hinge a light sensor? I am pretty new to the Toughbooks and I am trying to find out if there is a internal microphone in it or only the jack?
     
  2. Toyo

    Toyo Notebook Deity

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    If you are talking about the left side screen lid hinge, I believe that has to do with the BT. I may be totally wrong though??? I know the BT sensor is right below that on the black strip/cover.
     
  3. Grif054

    Grif054 Notebook Guru

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    Makes sense to me. Thanks for the quick reply. You you know if these things have internal microphones or not?
     
  4. Toyo

    Toyo Notebook Deity

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    I do not think so. I have not seen any drivers, etc for it. Nor have I read about that feature.

    Are you enjoying your new toy? Here are a couple of things that might be of some help to you.

    Any type of power needs. www.lindelectronics.com

    Top grade mounting components, misc things. www.gamberjohnson.com

    All the computer accessories for either your CF-30 or any other type of computer. www.toughbookequipment.com

    I hope some of this helps you. I have purchased several items from all these companies and have received nothing but 1st class service.

    Last but not least, this board has been the best, most beneficial, educational form of info that I have found. These guys have been very gracious with there knowledge of these units. Keep your eye on JBRules, he will get you in trouble!
     
  5. Grif054

    Grif054 Notebook Guru

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    Thank you for all of that info. I am saving the links right now. I own a small tree service and do a lot of mobile estimating. I had a RAM mount for the last notebook (not a Toughbook of course) and now I am looking at the port replicators. Any advice? I have a dual pass through
     
  6. Toyo

    Toyo Notebook Deity

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    Yes I do. I have a mobile fleet truck repair business. I use my TB in my van 6 to 7 days a week. I have mine set up with Gamber Johnson products. On there we site you can configure a setup all the way down to your specific vehicle. Here is a link to the dock I have. Mine sits on what they a Mobile Work Station, aka MWS. It is thru bolted between my bucket seats. All of the components are over built, and the ToughBook specific items are fully tested by Panasonic to be classified with the same MIL standards, and 3 year warranty.

    Look at this one. http://concept.gamberjohnson.com/HTML/484360411/item_master/links/7170-0008-02.pdf
     
  7. Toughbook

    Toughbook Drop and Give Me 20!

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    I believe that the little hole if for a microphone when so equipped. Someone did a DIY on the CF-29 and added a cell phone mic and it worked very well.
     
  8. Grif054

    Grif054 Notebook Guru

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    The strange part is when you go into control panel and click on sounds, then recording devices it says the microphone is working properly. I am not sure if they are talking about the driver or a installed microphone. Do you know if it is a Panasonic option to have one or only the hole for a provision to install one?

    Thanks,
    Mike G.
     
  9. tough-2-go

    tough-2-go Notebook Deity

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    Well try recording something then you will know if there is a mike in there or not. You can use the windows sound recorder.
     
  10. Toughbook

    Toughbook Drop and Give Me 20!

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    There most likely is not a microphone installed. The one you see in control panel is for the mic jack in the back I believe...
     
  11. ohlip

    ohlip Toughbook Modder

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    That is for optional microphone sensor just like other fully rugged toughbook.


    ohlip
     
  12. Grif054

    Grif054 Notebook Guru

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    I have been talking into the hole for over a hour now and I dont hear anything. Just kidding. Sometimes I add a voice note to a estimate or job detail of mine. Maybe there is a jack for a microphone on the vehicle port replicator. I dont have it yet I am still debating which one to get. I have a Ram mount system from my old laptop and I see they have a Toughbook port replicator on their website. It probably would work with the stuff I have now. (Like a ball and socket connector). I just have not seen many reviews on that Ram port replicator.
     
  13. Alex

    Alex Super Moderator

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    Just remember that the toughbook is really heavy, and most docking stations are even heavier.

    Don't compromise on your instalation hardware



    Alex
     
  14. Grif054

    Grif054 Notebook Guru

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    Good point. Do you guys recommend the Panasonic replicator?
     
  15. Toyo

    Toyo Notebook Deity

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    Gamber/Johnson is the sh*t! I have see the Ram units and they are pretty weak structual wise.

    If you go to thier web site they have a pretty cool video showing you the differences between there's and the other major brands. Yes, they are a little more expensive but I would not skimp on something like that. There's a good reason why most of your law enforcement agencies use Gamber in the patrol cars.