Newbie Introduction

Hi folks...I am a newbie on here and this is my first post. My name is John and I live in Edenderry, Ireland. I have a CF-27, Serial no. CF-27EJ6K3EE, with a 60gb HDD running Win 2000 Pro. SP4....OK, I know the OS is from the Stone Age but I find it is more than capable of doing what I expect of it !!
I am no computer expert by any means and the Toughbook has features that I have no experience of and hopefully you will enlighten and educate me.
A couple of questions for starters:

I see in the bay where the RAM sits, something that looks like a SIM card holder, similar to that found in a mobile phone, what is it's purpose ?

Next question

I have 256mb RAM installed, can it be increased ? Trawling the web tells me that 256 is the max. Do you Guys know different ??

Final question (For now)

When I go into Device Manager "Other Devices" has the dreaded yellow question mark and below this is "Unknown Device" with both a question mark and ! symbol through it. I have tried running device finder software to no avail. Properties page shows as Device type-Other devices, Manufacturer-unknown, Location-on Microsoft ACPI Compliant System.

I get no errors when I run the laptop either on battery or mains power and all ports and Internet access is fine.

Finally, I found this site looking for information on converting the DVD/CD drive to a DVD/CD burner and was very impressed with the content relating to Toughbook issues.
Thanks for taking the time to read this post.

 

TEST site:forum.notebookreview.com/panasonic - Google Search

replace test with max ram cf-27 (or something) This is Azrial's idea and I have a link in my tool-bar. Just drag and drop. Edit...I just did this and there is a lot of info.

Welcome to the nuthouse.

 

Sorry but the CF-27 will only see 256 MB even if you put a 512 MB stick in the slot. Nothing wrong with Windows 2000 it is stable and will do what you need. If you are adventurous you can play around with some of the Linux distributions if you are looking for a more modern operating system. I have the Debian version of Linux Mint loaded in mine. Welcome to the forum.

 

Thanks for the advice and welcome guys.
Next job is to change the CD/DVD for the DVD/RW as described in "Toughbook's" excellent article.
What are your thoughts on me deleting the "Unknown Device" from the list in Device Manager...could I be opening a can of worms ?? or should I take the attitude "If it aint broke..don't fix it"

 

Try the hotkey drivers. That's usually what the unknown device is.

 

It is strongly recommended that you get your drivers from one of the Panasonic sources listed in the stickies. Panasonic.ca has them all and makes it clear which driver is which.
CAP

 

Panasonic Toughbook drivers / Canada

Enter CF27 (no hyphen) in the Model Number box and click [Search] to reveal all available drivers.

 

Right on the button !!! Sorted, many thanks for the input Guys.

 

It is worth checking the intel site for updated graphics drivers which don't show up on the panasonic site, atleast it does for the 28 and 29 - the new drivers make a difference and increased the memory size by nearly 50%

 

I'll modify my statement to include any manufacturer's site. Of course you have to be careful with Intel, they did visit the "Pro-Wireless" crap on us.
CAP

 

well said, took me ages to get rid of their wireless management system , having downloaded it by mistake thinking it was a driver update on a friends 28 ( that machine already had half a dozen wireless managers from service providers and various dongles all doing battle).

however i can recommend the graphics update.

 

Thanks to everyone for the input and links for solving the main issues.
I have read many of the posts on the forum and I have to agree that these Toughbooks are addictive !!
Unfortunately my CF-27 EJ, I understand, does not have the touch screen function of the majority of T'books but when one of my other Notebooks decides to roll over, that will be a good excuse to get one with the bells and whistles.
On a different note, I see that Panasonic Toughbook style mobile phones are popping up on ebay UK. If they are remotely as rugged as their Notebooks, I guess they are also almost indestructable even though they don't have the "Bling" factor of the latest phones.

 

Since my CF-29 Toughbooks are equipped with at&t Communications Manager it takes control over the Intel cards in addition to controlling the Sierra 3G AirCard (in the Mk3) and Novatel (in the Mk5) WWAN cards.

At Windows Startup it takes over control from both Windows and Intel and gives you the option of choosing your LAN/WWAN connection.