New toughbook CF-30,Some questions

Hello,
I got this CF-30 as a gift from my dad, and here are the specs:

cf-30c3pczbm
Description: WinXP, Intel Core Duo L2400 1.66GHz (Centrino), 13.3" XGA Non Touch, 80GB, 512MB, Intel 802.11a/b/g, TPM1.2, Bluetooth, GPS, No Drive

Im a veteran user of forums and know all the must-do's before making threads, but im asking for a little help. Im gonna be using this laptop for work (Im a nurse) but i have been spoiled with newer technology. So far it works just perfect but i wanted to bring it up to speed in terms of hardware and software upgrades. But the research i have made here in this forum either yields very complex procedures or very basic questions, neither of which answer my questions. So my question is:
What would you do to this computer to spruce it up? I washed and waxed it, and put a new air freshener on it, and ill change the oil next week,
wrong forum
anyways, i see this pc is basic. What can i replace to make it better faster stronger? For all your help, i will do medical consults online free of charge! lol. Thanks!

 

First thing to start is upgrading the harddisk to a fast 7200 rpm sata disk
And add ram, at least 2 Gb

This alone will speedup the machine.

And as far as changing the oil, don´t forget the filters

 

You could also go with a SSD too...this will give your 30 a big boost...boots to windows in 30-35 seconds , open and closes programs fast...it did mine. Thats about all you can do with any of the 30's.

 

i was shopping around and i thought, how do i know that "x" hdd will fit on this laptop? Do i have to go to one of the "toughbook only" vendors or can i just buy one? i figure its the same connector?

 

Just look for SATA...they are all the same or you could go to a Toughbook vendor and pay 3 X the price for the same thing .

Here is a few SSD's

Intel 320 Series 120 GB,Internal,2.5" (SSDSA2CW120G3B5) (SSD) Solid State Drive (Used) $85.00
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Intel-320-S...Internal_Hard_Disk_Drives&hash=item1e71c2c788

INTEL SSDSC2CT120A3K5 BOX 120GB 330 SSD SATA3 2.5IN (New) $118.00
http://www.ebay.com/itm/INTEL-SSDSC...Internal_Hard_Disk_Drives&hash=item4602fcf209

NEW INTEL 320 SERIES 160 GB SSD SATA2 2.5" (New) $129.98
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-INTEL-3...Internal_Hard_Disk_Drives&hash=item4aba9adc49

(I just bought one like this but $30.00 cheaper :thumbsup

 

I'm sure most here will agree.
The hard drive of choice is a Hitachi Travelstar 7200 RPM, 2.5-inch hard drive.
They range in size from 250GB clear up to 1TB.
Pick your poison

Bob

 

Guys, Thank you very much for the warm reception and the help, im gonna shop around to see whats out there; as far as the RAM upgrade, same deal? standard stuff? I appreciate all the help.
By the way, man, this laptop is Awesome. Man's laptop.

 

cf-30c3pczbm
Description: WinXP, Intel Core Duo L2400 1.66GHz (Centrino), 13.3" XGA Non Touch, 80GB, 512MB, Intel 802.11a/b/g, TPM1.2, Bluetooth, GPS, No Drive


That looks close to what my specs on mine were originally, just didn't have GPS originally.

Pick up a DVD drive for it, biggerharddrive/SSD, if you are on the go alot like me a external hard drive 500gb or 1tb for movies on the go. (transcend has a good model that has a GEL pack in it and can survive 5 foot drops I have been using mine for about 2 years now or you can make yourself a media bay version), you can get a spare main battery or get media bay battery for a little extra battery life. I upgraded mine to 3 GB of ram, it will take 4 GB Max, but you are limited to a 32 bit OS because of the core duo and would only be able to use 3.25 to 3.50 GB of your ram. (XP or Windows 7) I dual booted mine with XP and Ubuntu. You never know when something may get your computer, it is nice having a back up OS. I got a tv adapter that slides into the express card slot, ASUS XG Station that plugs into the express card slot and allows me to plug a desktop 8800gt into it for gaming on a external monitor.(or hotel room TV)(you can't get the XG Station anymore, but if you want to learn more look up VI Dock.)

You are just going to have to decide how you are going to use the laptop, what accessories you want/need.

 

Well, after a little reading, im gonna be getting an SSD since i do carry the laptop around and im not the gentle-man type when it comes to my things. The next step is the RAM. It already has the DVD drive, and i have no idea what to do with the PC and EXPRESS card slot, so any suggestions on that would be appreciated .except the tv one. I dont watch tv, no time ..
Imagine that im still trying to catch up on this season's Breaking Bad. terrible.

 

Well this is about the only thing I use mine for
NEW Computer Laptop Stash Card Secret Drawer **GIFT** | eBay

 

Well I don't use the TV one much anymore right now. When I was chasing land rigs for a year doing equipment inventories on them I wasn't part of the normal crew and didn't have TV or other off tower equipment in the places I stayed. It was the best way to carry it all in two bags.

I have used one of these for a while too, Customs have never messed with it either. They make all kind of adapters for the PCMCIA and Express Card slots. Video cards, bluetooth, extra usb, tv cards, gps, etc, etc.

If this is your only computer you may want to consider a port replicator. You could have a desktop keyboard, mouse and 22" screen plugged in on top of your desk at home. Then just unplug the laptop and take all your files with you on the go.

 

Well here's what im gonna do. The SSD sounds like a great idea, so im getting the one suggested on page 1. (the 160 gb). the express card is going to get a usb 3.0 adapter. the pc card is getting a stash card. Unfortunately, as much as i looked, i didnt find any better use for it. And the only thing i need now is RAM sticks; i never dealth with that so Im completely oblivious as to how to shop for them, and any help is appreciated.

EDIT EDIT: If i install another OS that is 64-bit, would it actually benefit from 4GB of RAM or should i stick to what i have now? I figure that is i put the SSD and 4GB ram, it can run a 64-bit version of whatever without an issue?

EDIT I know the performance will be negligible between them, but i need a vote between samsung, crucial or intel.

and also i found this "ram kit" which seems pretty interesting, but i thought maybe you guys have better suggestions?
Computer memory upgrades for Panasonic Toughbook 30 Laptop/Notebook from Crucial.com
and what to do with the OS? Decisions decisions. You guys are great.

 

The Ram you suggested is fine, but as the machine is core duo and not core 2 duo it will not support a 64 bit OS
I think your best bet is WIN7 32bit

 

I like it because I can carry a couple SD cards so if I am at a friends house and want some music , movie or files I have something to transfer it to

When I was looking for a SSD I asked the guys in my sig...they pointed me to intel (320, 330,520)

You can do better than that on price . I have never paid more than $20.00 for a 2GB . Here is one for $57.99 shipped . The one you pointed out is sold out and that also does not include shipping Newegg.com - Crucial 4GB (2 x 2GB) 200-Pin DDR2 SO-DIMM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Laptop Memory Model CT2KIT25664AC667

 

i put 4gb ram in mine and an ssd, yes i know it only uses about 3 and a half but hey its cheap

when putting a dvd drive in it, do you need to do anything special

i remember with the cf 29 you had to solder or desolder a point

i am trying to swap my cd drive for a slot load dvd drive

 

I second xboxhaxorz's suggestion of 4 GB of DDR2 667 (PC2 5300). There is not much price difference in 3 or 4 GB of RAM. Also second toughasnail's suggestion of Intel 330 SSD. Just recently got 180 GB for $109.99. Another good SSD is Samsung. Don't know if it is too late, but newegg.com had a 256 GB Samsung 830 for $159.99 with promo code EMCYTZT2359.

 

Yes you do, check this thread out http://forum.notebookreview.com/panasonic/506225-cf30-dvd-rw-swap-r2-problem.html

 

Why not to use an slot load DVD-Rw. I made six of those already with the CF-30 unit I sold on ebay and three unit of media drive sold individually.

I will post picture later of the one I modded.




ohlip

 

And Teo you have something coming to make another one

 

Media.

How do you like it? I love my 30's with an SSD and full memory. they work like a charm!!

Did I read that right, you have the GPS and F-Print reader on yours? If you want to go with a 64 Bit OS, I might be able to help you out with a Mk2 trade. Lemme know if interested. Central MN here.