Newbie

I did try to post a 'hello' and ask a question but the post has not appeared?
Perhaps it has to go via a 'mod' untill I have gained credit?

I will repost later rather than attempt a second post at this moment.

Many thanks

Tranquillo

 

This one worked, welcome to the forum! I'm relatively new here too, came across this earlier in the summer as I was researching the CF-29 before I got it, received it and love it to bits, is a bit slower than my two Dells, but not really, and even with the rubber keyboard, I used it constantly (which allows my girlfriend and her daughter to use the Dell laptops)...........and a few weeks ago I bought a second CF-29 with the standard keyboard, love it more (and holy cow can I type fast now after dealing with that rubber one!)

Ya, is addictive! What do you have or looking to get in the Toughbook world?

 

Hi CanadianMike and thanks, yep that one seems to work so here goes with my original....ish post.

Hi, well I did lose my original post to the ether, that will teach me to ensure I have logged in first!

Having spent many years around desktop computers and more lately laptops I have decided to move to a toughbook. Of course I have spent a few hours looking around the net to see what my options are, and this led to me being more confused about choice than ever, to this end I appeal to the forum massive for some experienced advice.

I need the swivel facility so I gather this will have to be the CF-18? I also read the CF-19 shares the same chassis and can also be made to have the screen swivel?

The use will be as follows:

I use OBD II (on board diagnostic) software programs to diagnose problems on vehicles, this is more as a hobby mechanic although I am trained, I just don't want to take on too much. I like stuff that works so do not mind paying out a little more for the better software for the OBD II stuff. I am into the 4X4 ‘off road’ and expedition scene so will need GPS capability and good mapping software (Europe/Libya/Egypt/Morocco/Africa) I think if I get a model without GPS I can install this myself and of course have the ability to connect an external ariel for better reception? Battery life while important my car has all the toys when it comes to dual batteries/inverter so no problem there but would expect 4/5 hours with internal battery in case a ‘walk out’ is needed. I don't like fingerprints all over the place as it makes the screen difficult to see when driving in sunlight, so perhaps the digitizer, reliability is paramount so is there any screen issues to be aware with either type?

Of course internet access and the ability to watch the odd film or two would be good in the middle of nowhere.

My last laptop died due to dust and heat (along with vibrations while sitting on an engine that is running) so I think the TB should be good for the environment I intend to use it for.


OK over to you guys and girls, budget at the moment around 400 euros but can add more as money loosens up after Christmas trip so basic now and add on devices later perhaps?

EDIT: I have my own paid for 'proper' copy of Windows XP professional (SP2 IIRC) will this help with any decisions?

Thanks very very much

 

Welcome to the nuthouse. We all here have an addiction... Toughbooks are a BAD DISEASE that is only cured by more toughbooks!

GOOD FREAKIN' LUCK! Enjoy!

 

Yes, I would think you would be looking for a CF-18 or CF-19. You would need the serial connection? i am guessing, which limits you to the digitizer anyway. The touchscreen models use the serial for the screen, whereas the digitizers do not. I would look for a cf-19 mkII or higher; this would handle all of your needs just fine. The cost, however, as I recall in your part of the world, may be higher than you want to spend. The other problem, the CF-18's and CF-19's have no built in media devices. So, CD's or Floppy's, should you need them, would have to be used via an external device. I bring this up mainly for your want to watch movies some times. Remember, the graphics on these are not the best, they are intended for business use, not gaming or movies, but in my opinion are adequate enough if your just wanting to kick back and kill some time. The other option is to get a larger hard drive and store some movies there. I think you would be more than happy with your purchase (I traded my CF-29 for a CF-19mkI a while back and love it). The battery life is exactly what you are wanting, and sometimes longer. Just make sure you get a unit that has all its port covers in good repair, or remember to buy them, this will help keep your laptop in top working order in the off-road conditions you were speaking of. I hope this helps...

 

Rob, if the disease is the same as the 4X4 world (or should that be 4$4?) then I will end up modding the TB so it can fly a rocket to the moon and back (and that's before switching it on!), I really do get carried away.

Doobi, thanks for the advice mate. I am intrigued by the sale/swap of a later (perhaps better) model for an older and perhaps less competent machine?

I had been looking at the '18' and realised the media issue however, I have a WD 500Gb external hardrive with some films on so not to worried about the optical drive unless they are needed to load software and I would then buy one. Now having had a look around and finding the '19' also swivels means my choice has become easier.....I think

Keep the comments advice coming guys (girls?).

EDIT: Just noticed your sig Doobi, the CF-19 has a 13" screen, hmmm interesting, also what would be in the MK2 as opposed to the MK1 you have?

many thanks

 

All 18's and 19's have the same size screen. If you need finger touch capability for the screen you do not want a digitizer as they require a special stylus for screen input, unless you get a CF-19 Mk3 or higher with dual touch. My CF-19 Mk2 has a serial port. The touchscreen is USB. I believe the CF-18 uses a serial touchscreen. Another difference between the 18 and 19 is the HDD interface. CF-18 is PATA(IDE) which limits your options on HDD size. CF-19 is SATA.

 

The Digitizer models are missing the serial ports in the back on the CF-18's. I haven't had a CF-19 Digitizer so I am not sure on that model. The touch cf-19's have a serial port.

 

All the cf-19's digitizer and Touch screen have the 9 pin serial port

 

Thanks for all this info guys it is really helping me, I was looking at your sig Doobi with the 13" screen? Anyway, I have now learnt that all CF-18's/19's are not created equal, getting sellers on ebay to disclose the actual model/s they are selling seems to ruffle a few feathers? I am going to try and concentrate on getting a CF-19 but the '18' are so cheap and in my budget which makes decisions a little harder, the fact that my regular laptop has just had a heart attack so I am now pressed for time is not helping.

Thanks again all, keep the info coming

T

 

Tranquillo.

Welcome to a fellow Toughbook and 4x4 Fan.

I have built up a bit of a collection (not as many as quite a few on here but I have a CF-28 MK3, a CF-51 MK3, a CF-18 Digitizer (the one without the serial port), a CF-07 Brick and the Wireless display screen that goes with it and a CF-P2 PDA/Phone.

A CF-18 or CF-19 will do you well - either a CF19 which will have the serial port whatever or a CF-18 Touchscreen. I presume you already have OBDII diagnostic software to put on it.

For the GPS stuff I would suggest either Fugawi or Osi Explorer - the latter is better in my opinion and allows you more flexibility for importing scanned maps. Pair this with a bluetooth or wired GPS Antenna/receiver and you will be good to go on it. I would suggest the Bluetooth route and not bother about getting an inbuilt GPS - you will need an external antenna anyway for inside the vehicle in most cases - one of the Tom Tom BT units will fit the bill - I use one of these I picked up on eBay and it is quick to lock on compared to a lot of other units. Also for areas without a lot of clear sky (not talking the desert here) the more channels the better.

for internet access you will probably need to look at Satellite data solution - not a lot of GSM or 3G coverage in the desert areas. For less extreme places I would recommend a Sierra Wireless Aircard 881E - has the added benefit of a built in GPS so you would have a GPS solution for walk about as well as data over GSM GPRS or 3G. they are also very robust PCMCIA cards compared to some of the others I have seen and a lot more robust than a USB dongle.

Just as an added interest, what's your 4x4 vehicle of choice - mine is a 1999 Toyota Land Cruiser VX 100 Series - absolutely bomb proof although maybe not quite as much as a 76 or an 80 series.

All the best of luck with your search.

Cheers
Andy

 

Hi Andy and thanks for the reply. How the needle swings! One minute I am looking for an '18' and then a '19' and now not sure. The serial port is the choice of most of the OBD II software (autoenginuity) I use but it can be slow and fussy. I had thought about using a new piece of OBD software from the states but am unsure of the spec at the mo. I hear what you are saying about GPS ect but I like as much 'stuff' as possible to be 'built in' and this makes it less vulnereble to being broken or left behind in the garage which I have done before. I like the idea of the Sierra air card, built in GPS ect and I assume this can be left plugged into the TB permanently?

Other than that my car is the LC 80 VX........and yes it is bombproof!

Many thanks for your advice

Tranquillo

 

Tranquillo.

I wouldn't leave the Aircard in the TB permanently, only because it does have quite a bit sticking out the side and while it is strong, it's not that strong so in that case get a built in one - available for the CF-18 (I think only the MK 4) and CF-19. You can also get a built in GPRS or 3G module for it which would mean everything can be built in.

You could also think about a CF-28 - OK it doesn't have the rotating screen but it is available with a touch screen and a lot get sold with OBDII already installed. Plus if you want to use it for overlanding, it's probably the toughest of the tough. You could also then see if you could get hold of a CF-VDW07 wireless screen which will work as an add on to the CF-28 (well to any of the TBs) and give you something you can mount on the dashboard and then hide the Toughbook away somewhere in the load area. You can pick up vehicle mounts for them relatively cheaply and the CF-28 won't break the bank either. I have this setup and if I ever point my LC off into the wild blue yonder, that is the setup I will use.

Excellent choice on the 80 Series - used to have one but got lured by the comfort of the 100 - still think the 80 is better off road though.

Cheers
Andy

 

Hi again, I have seen on ebay there are some kits you can use to get the GPA and bluetooth built so may go that way. I suppose it is like eveything else. I don't want to rush and pay out for a cheap 18 only to be told that if I had spent another x £$ whatever I could have had such and such, hence my in depth research I am doing now. The CF-28's for some reason are often cheaper which seems odd as they are newer I assume they have WiFi or is it Bluetooth to the wireless screen? Are they cheaper because like newer cars you are less able to modify them without speacial knowledge/skills/money? I like the idea of burying the laptop in the boot but again having the swivel screen I was going to mount that on the dashboard for overlanding, does the CF-28 screen fold back on it's self to become a tablet, they are then easier to lay on engines ect whilst working on cars. Perhaps the wireless screen would be good with a rotating mount (reason for the swivel), and being lighter would be easier to make more secure from the banging and crashing that my car gets put through more than a few days a week now?

Thanks for your help,

Tranquillo

 

So now we have another model thrown into the mix, 'harveya' has pointed out I could use a wireless screen fitted to the dashboard when overlanding and leave the laptop in the boot? Will the CF-28 fold flat or does it just have the lid as a typical lap top has albeit stronger? If not perhaps I could have a CF-18/19 with wifi or bluetooth to communicate with the wireless screen at the front? The CF-28 I assume has WiFi?

This is getting to be harder than I thought it would be,

Tranquillo

 

For built-in WWAN and GPS the 19 is the way to go. Most 19's are wireless ready, meaning everything is there for WWAN except the card. The factory GPS easily integrates into the 19 and most 19's have bluetooth.

 

The few times I have used mine in the vehicle (just sitting on the rear seat) the screen has been shut (you can set the screen shutting behaviour on it - shut down, suspend or do nothing). You can also power up the CF-28 with the screen shut (you can on the CF-18 and 19s too) which is how I have used it with the Wireless screen - you power up the CF-28 and wait a while and then fire up the screen and it conects and gives you the screen - you then have a remote wireless touchscreen which works very well for mapping. Unfortunately the wireless screens tend to be pretty expensive as they are really well regarded in the boating community - expect 600 euros or there about.

The CF-28 is actually older than the CF-18 also with older processors - the latest of them, the MK3 has a 1ghz processor and a maximum (on some) of 1gb memory but most can only run to 768mb memory. Also A lot more of them made hence the reason for them being cheaper. That being said they are part of the fully rugged laptop range (28,29,30,31) which are built like tanks and could probably survive being driven over by a tank too. What they lack in speed they more than make up for in being the ultimate example of value for money - you get something nearly impossible to break at a price that is simply amazing, they are also very moddable as you will find on these forums which means you can get them to a spec that will do all you want - inbuilt WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS etc and then add some nice things like the wireless display (which was originally made for the CF-07 brick) which is a lot easier to mount in a vehicle than a full laptop or even a normal sized tablet like the 18 or 19.

That being said it's horses for courses, research and the decide otherwise you'll probably end up like a few of the other people here - including me, getting a few of them because you just got addicted and find they each have their own uses.

Cheers
Andy

 

1999 Toyota 4Runner SR5 for me, and a pair of CF-29s...... (already said that didn't I? Doesn't matter, had to toss in my other rugged baby)

 

CF-29 MK4 and a modified 1992 Suzuki Vitara / Sidekick over here.

Used me CF-28 until now. Worked fine, albeit it was a bit sluggish.

 

Mike.

Could become the NBR Toyota Section . Used to have a 4Runner myself (well the Japanese Market one called the Hilux Surf with a Diesel engine - great machine.

Ares93 - Zuki is a great machine too - real giant killer.

 

Yeah, I nearly laughed when I saw it. But I seriously had to reconsider me preconceptions regarding that car once I drove it. Then again, the B21 redblock tends to work miracles. Built a Super Seven with that engine, runs like a dream. (Up until me girlfriend crashed it. Still drivable though.)

 

Yep the Runner sure is a brilliant machine - the first gen ones with the Solid Axles are probably the best but not all that great in the comfort stakes, the 3rd gen probably is the best all round compromise.

And to get back to Toughbooks - the 4Runners and Land Cruisers are great companions to a Toughbook, both equally as well built.

 

My apologies for my ingnorance, I assumed higher number newer (better?) model. Well the list goes on, a member has PM'd me and is sorting out a list of what does what and where ect. The prices of the wireless screen are a little frightening to be sure. Soooo, IF I buy a basic CF-18 can it be modded with internal GPS/Bluetooth and wifi? I think that is that sorted, now if I buy a CF-19 can I assume that is as easy or easier to modify than the '18'? You can see I am stuck in the old car mindset, years ago if you did not like your escort mexico you threw in a Ford V6, if you did not like the performance of your Granada you threw in a Rover V8....simples! But working this out seems to be a tad harder, keep the info coming people as I feel a purchase coming on.

Many thanks for your help thus far

Tranquillo

 

IMO, much easier.

 

I have to defer to others as I haven't seen inside a 19 but I think you can assume that it will start with more so less modding needed. Just to add, some of the dombined GPS/Bluetooth cards that I have seen on the web are only for the Mark 4 CF-18 so an earlier one won't cut it (I'm presuming anyway).

Now you could always shoe horn a Rover (Buick) V8 in there - 200bhp Toughbook - now we're talking - better still a 350 Crate motor.

 

Meh. There's no replacement for displacement. Cadd 500 in a '79 F150... That thing would do wheelstands with 3.00 gears, I lie not.

mnem
"Horsepower is how hard you hit the wall. Torque is how much of the wall you take away with you."

 

4 bolt mains/dual holleys..................NOW YOU ARE TEASING ME!!

OK, now looking for CF-19.......I think

Tranquillo

 

Mnem.

Now a big block, now you're talking

 

One of me mates drives a Charger with a big block. God, what an engine.

 

OK guys (girls?) back on topic, anyone selling a decent cf-19? That seems to be the way to go, now lets see if we can keep on topic right? Awwww................................alright, does the charger have the 440 hemi?

Tranquillo

 

You see, now... I always preferred the 440 Wedge to the Hemi in my old Coronet; they had the displacement to get you going, but would turn RPMs almost like a small-block because of the squarer bore-to-connecting rod ratio. When I ran against my buddy's 454 Camaro, he was tapped out 140 or so against the wind at 4200 RPM... I downshifted and pulled away from him like he was standing still. He still swears I was snorting NOS with that motor. I would have been afraid to, as it was, I twisted that poor car in half after 2 years, even with the subs tied and ladderbars.

mnem
BTTW.

 

Ah those were the days...............I used to run a V12 Jaguar Coupe with all the right bits including a manual Getrag 5 speed, good for mid 13's in street trim!

Well, I have looked in the 'for sale part' of this forum along with ebay and it seems I am going to have to suffer the shipping and get my Cf 19 from the states? Is there any other place that anyone knows who could help me out with a purchase, nothing on craiglist, dreamers on ebay or simply will not post to Europe? Gumtree not much luck there although I have emailed a seller looking for a better price soooo?

Many thanks

Tranquillo

 

Tranquillo

I'll have a look for some in the UK, I know of a couple of places and they could be cheaper shipping than from the US, also some places tha may have spanish keyboards available.

Cheers
Andy

 

That would be great Andy thank you. Do not worry about the spanish keyboard, I use the standard qwerty keyboard and on the odd occasions I need a spanish letter I can set 'word' up to give me a shortcut on the keyboard, this is something I have done since I moved here so 'normal' keyboard is fine. You are so right about shipping costs, they are a nightmare with many 'topping' you up on the sale price by charging silly shipping costs.

I will continue my search and will defo be looking for a CF-19, I will inform you and the other members who have been so helpful via this thread if I find what I am looking for.

Thanks again.

Tranquillo

 

Tranquillo.

OK I have had a look at the usual suspect places (ebay and a couple of dealers I know about) and to be honest it is probably going to be cheaper to get it in from the US. Ones in the UK are running at around £1000 sterling for a Mk 2, There are quite a few in the US which even with shipping will come in around half that if you are lucky and watch ebay like a hawk. I'll keep looking but at the moment the UK is looking way to expensive - to be honest that often seems the way - my CF-28 came in from the US and even after buying a new keyboard and replacing the CD with a DVD/CDR it still came in cheaper than one in the UK.

Alternatively, I know modding will be more involved (You will need to do a bit more anyway), you could still look at a CF-18. Pricing it up, you can do a lot to a CF-18 and still have change compared to the price of a 19.

Cheers
Andy

 

Hi Andy and thanks so much for your efforts. About two hours ago I typed into ebay 'Panasonic Toughbook' and went for the 'worldwide' option, this returned 5700 + results! I only done this because I know some people do not put the model number in the main title so wanted to have a real good look, trust me I looked at them all! You are right, it seems the UK still has a lot of sellers that want to bend you over and take one for England. It would also be fair to assume that with Christmas coming the prices are being hiked a little, the flip side is there may be a lot on sale cheaper after the festive period, but I really did not want to wait that long, bearing in mind the PC I am using at the moment is borrowed from a friend and I do not like to take liberties.

I have emailed a couple of sellers now (States/Europe), as I have pretty much given up with the UK as many will not sell abroad? I made sure my messages were grammatically correct, and I also did not pretend I was a Nigerian King trying to get funds into the UK due to tribal wars, still no luck

Thanks again

Tranquillo

 

Ta Da!!

I have just purchased my toughbook!

It was from a company in the states and the shipping seems reasonable enough, this is the one:

http: //www.ebay.co.uk/itm/230693303720?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

I have emailed the seller about the 2gb upgrade on the ram deal but have also asked for a quote to bring it to 4gb which I can add to the price.

Thanks to all those that have contributed to this thread.

Tranquillo

 

Hi, i am also looking for some cheap CF-28s.

I found this e-bay add from an English company:

Panasonic Toughbook CF-28 12.1 TFT 256Mb MISSING PART'S | eBay

this e-bay offer says:

PANASONIC TOUGHBOOK CF-28 MK2 800MHZ 256MB
12.1" TFT screen . Transflective - daylight readable -
allows optimal viewing, even in bright sunlight, with Touchscreen
MISSING PARTS (NO BATTERY, NO HDD/CADDY, NO PSU, NO CDROM DRIVE)
FULLY WORKING UNIT JUST MISSING PARTS

We can be contacted here at Pan-Toughbooks.com

I already have 3 CF-28s. All are with a larger screen (1024x768), this one seems to have an 800x600 screen.

I could use the caddy/psu/dvd-roms i already have, but still

is it cheap, or a waste of money ?

Oh, and has anybody ever bought a laptop from pan-toughbooks.com ? Are they a reliable company ?

 

Excellent. Looks like it has the GOBI kit in - seems to have the wings on it.

Hope it all works well for you.

Cheers
Andy

 

Oh great Andy, that's it start with all the acronyms and confuse me!

A 'GOBI' was what we called someone at school who talked too much, care to explain?

And 'wings', I seem to remember them being advertised with something to do with feminine hygiene not toughbooks?

So come on Andy help out this newbie,

Tranquillo

 

Qualcomm Mobile Internet 3G connectivity. The wings are there (as you will see in some of the other posts on the forum) as protection against harmful radiation - just in case we might all turn into fire breathing monsters or something like that.

Not sure if the GOBI modules are US only or global 3G capable - I would think global as I think 3G is a recognised international standard unlike CDMA. Certainly the Sierra 3G cards that AT&T and others use in the US are compatible - I have one for use in the UK. The GOBI stuff is on a daughter board rather than a separate PCMCIA or PCI E or USB dongle.

Cheers
Andy

 

Soooo, how does GOBI translates to Qualcomm Mobile Internet 3G connectivity?

CDMA oh yeh I know all about that as well...........NOT!

I really am sorry Andy, I was up to my a*rse in computers years ago but as I moved away from them (teaching and stress related health issues) to my new life in Spain the computers sort of took a quantum leap forward and I have only just discovered how out of touch I am.

I promise a few hours homework and studying and see if I can drag myself (kicking and screaming) back into the fold and try to keep up with you guys.

Many many thanks

Tranquillo

 

Unless someone changed it, that card is a Sprint EVDO card. It will not work in the EU. AFAIK, the "wings" are on all NA 19's with factory installed WWAN. The "WWAN ready" 19's have the plain covers. For the EU you will need a Novatel EU870 or a Gobi 1000. Maybe the Gobi 2000 will also work. You may also need a bios and EC update to make the Gobi work.

 

GOBI 2000 will work activated on AT&T...

NOTHING CDMA WORKS IN EUROPE! THEY ONLY HAVE GSM NETWORKS!

 

Ah Ha, didn't realise that the wings were on all WWAN 19s, that explains it.

And no we never got CDMA, we went right from GSM and GPRS into the 21st Century with 3G and by-passed that CDMA stuff without touching it

Now we just get crap coverage on 3G

 

Yep forget the CDMA, just worry about 3G now (or GPRS in bad coverage areas) most 3G networks will drop back to 2.5G (GSM + GPRS) in bad coverage areas.

To be honest don't worry about any of them too much, they'll just give you grey hairs with the frustration.

Oh yeah and I'm not sure what GOBI stands for, could be Gigantic Old Bald Idiot (me maybe) for all I know.

 

Hey. I resemble that remark. >~~~~(;{


mnem
Whatever you do, DON'T give me a chalupa! Fire from BOTH ends!!!

 

Thanks all for your replies, when it arrives I will try to find out as much as possible and post it on my 'GOT ONE' thread, this should help with advice on upgrades ect.:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/panasonic/622087-got-one.html

Thanks again

Tranquillo