Model Number : CF-30FCS80AM / Thank You Forum Members

I've had this beauty for 5 nights now, and wanted to thank all of the forum members once again for contributing everything for the fund raiser on TBT here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/toughbook-buy-sell-trade-forum/734886-sale-cf-30mk2-sold.html
The back lit keyboard is stupendous and the screen is blinding! TouchScreen works too:hi2:This week was spent trying out Linux Mint 13 LTS and Vista Business.I could not get the gps to work in Linux, but she locked right in using Vista. The battery life is phenomenal and my final project last night was to install Windows 7 on an extra hard drive in preparation for putting a new SSD in next week. I followed the resources from our forum here and I am very pleased indeed: http://forum.notebookreview.com/pan...sting-ultimate-toughbook-resource-thread.htmland scrolled down to a Windows 7 install on a CF-30 MK2and found all the drivers here: Official Support Download Center of the Drivers, Manuals and FAQs | TOUGHBOOK | TOUGHPAD | Panasonic Global Notebook PCThis Toughbook is screaming now with 64 bit Windows 7 and I'm looking forward to next week when I can start the SSD project, something I've never done before. I'll keep you informed and promise to only ask questions after reading, reading, reading Best regards,Kris Cleveland

 

groovy.....man.....really groovy..

 

You will see a big difference on the startup and shut down. It just runs so much better with a SSD installed. :thumbsup:

 

Right on! Great news. You will love the unit even more once the SSD is installed. Don't forget to check out the link in Blair's sig once you have the SSD installed.

 

My personal CF-30 Mk2 has the same stuff as yours. I use it when I travel inside the USA. With the tweaks I have done it goes good. I know the SSD in my Mk3 19 made it really take off, I haven't dropped one into mine yet but when I get some more stuff cleared out around the house that will be moved up on my to do list.

 

Thanks for the SSD advice. I've started my research and reading on how to do the swap. One questions I have is should I format the new SSD first before loading operating system? Or does loading the os format it properly? Best regards, Cleve

 

Do the format in the W7 install. If I remember correctly, all I had to do was select the ssd and tell the installer to use the whole drive. It took care of the rest. Sorry to be so vague, but it has been awhile since I installed W7 onto one of the Intel ssd's.

 

Thank you, I found this link: SSD Installation: Step by Step on How to Properly Install an SSD
I will try a fresh install of I can not get Acronis to work properly. Take care

 

Installing a SSD is just like a regular HDD but do a full install, at least most sites will tell you to and to get the most out of your new SSD follow these tips...you can take off up to 8 seconds of the bootup. The SSD Optimization Guide Redesigned | The SSD Review

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/panasonic/725310-toughbook-ssd-thread.html

That will give you some idea of speeds you can get on your system. I still try to squeeze more out of my Mk3 19. I brought a few things to try out this hitch. One is the CF-U1 from my "28 days with a CF-U1" thead, the other is the ide to sd card adapter. I plan on trying different OS's on a core sole T5 and speed tests. I even have different cards to see if a higher speed card does better.

 

Do a fresh installation of Windows 7 on your SSD. I really like the Kingston HyperX 300 Series... You can catch them on sale every now and then on Newegg. I also have bought the Samsung SSD... I am still playing with that one prior to putting it up on eBay.

You should clone your other drive to the SSD... If you read the SSD Optimization Guide by Les Tokar... He will explain that if you do your SSD will slow down over time. It is a great read and I use his guide on every SSD build.

 

Thank you again for all your advice. The SSD transplant went seamlessly, but could NOT get the gpsr to work in Windows 7. Everything else worked including Calibration/Battery/etc. I digressed somewhat and put Vista on her, and now the gpsr works great. Next project is a fresh install of Windows7 on the New SSD that came in the mail. I'll put this into a spare caddy and keep the Vista setup for just in case. Of course, Mint worked great too on this but could NO)T get the gpsr to work...lot's to ponder over the next few colder months. Thanks again, Cleve

 

Update...sorted out the gps with Windows 7. It worked great in Vista, but could not get it to work in Win7. Had the jumping mouse syndrome. Disabled gps in bios and started trying different gps patches. Ador suggested Vista driver for gps. Nothing seemed to work. Last driver I tried was a CF-31 MK1 driver without luck. So, I pondered alittle and went directly to the hard disk drive c:, drivers, gps, GPSvista(7/18/2007). I clicked on it/ran it and voila, now gps works after re-enabling it (NO jumping mouse).
Went to the USGlobalsat site: USGlobalsat Corporate
and downloaded "GPSInfo for Windows (ver. 1109151):
Supports (Windows 8/7/Vista/XP) under Top Downloads- Ran the GPSinfo program using com2 baud 4800, Tracking satellites now!
Now that I know how to get the factory gps to work in Windows 7 64bit, I can move on the the New SSD install along with a new, fresh installatiion of Win7 64 bit. Thank you to all the contributors in the threads found here:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/pan...sting-ultimate-toughbook-resource-thread.html

Best regards, Cleve

 

Great news to all, I installed the Intel SSD 335 series 180GB drive this afternoon, and then loaded Win7 64 bit after disabling GPS in bios.
Followed the driver install order here: Windows 7 on CF30 mk2 - ToughWiki
Except, I loaded the GPS registry patch for a CF-30 MK3 Vista:
Official Support Download Center of the Drivers, Manuals and FAQs | TOUGHBOOK | TOUGHPAD | Panasonic Global Notebook PC
Rebooted several times, and then re-enabled GPS in bios. Added antivirus protection and google chrome browser, and voila...up and running with GPSinfo from: USGlobalsat Corporate
Scroll down the page and look for this download zip file:
"GPSInfo for Windows (ver. 1109151): Supports (Windows 8/7/Vista/XP)"
Run it, and you should be able to set com3 baud rate 4800 and see your gps working.
Thanks to ADOR, the MS Streets program works great with the stock Panasonic GPS module on this mighty fine CF-30 MK2. This ToughBook now is mighty fast and a keeper... Take care and thanks to all. Cleve

 

I haven't done the SSD upgrade to my Mk2 yet but it is almost just like the one you got from me. The main reason I never looked into getting a Mk3 you don't gain that much performance spec wise.