Noticing A Trend...

I have started to see alot of posts with CF29 problems, maybe it's just me and never noticed b4. This sort of concerns me about the reliability of my 30's. When did they start the 29 series? Am I being totally off base here?

 

I could be wrong, but I think the CF-29 were released around 2004. So naturally as the years pass the prices of these toughbooks go down and become more widely available as large companies get rid of them. Since the general public can get the CF-29 model at more resonable prices, Its not unusual to see more chatter about these models than others.

 

The cf-29 is currently the most popular used model
I think that every one on the forum has one

So yes, out of 10 posts about the cf-29 we will have one person saying I really love my Toughbook and the other 9 will be Help me fix this darn thing


Alex

 

The only problems I've had with my 29 were ones I created myself. Can't say it was the machines fault.

 

+1. Mine have been bulletproof (one almost literally)

 

The biggest issue I have noticed is the one with touchscreens going out. Some can be cleaned and get and go... But others are just dead.... I'd REALLY like to find the issue with this. I guess Heartland doesn't ind the problems here.... They just replace. Otherwise I would think that fix would be in the Internet.

 

the TB uses what is called a capacitive system for it's touchscreen. In a nutshell this works by transferring a charge to the user when contacts the screen. Overtime the accuracy begins to fail when the charge looses some of its power, or the computer looses ability to interpret it. Basically it is like a weakening signal between the computer and the user.

My guess would be that it is cheaper to simply replace the parts then try and repair them.

 

During the warranty period Panasonic pays for the replacement
Why would the repair depot find a cheap fix if the $300 part price is covered

It’s not limited to the cf-29’s either
I currently have two cf-74’s,and a cf-18 with non-working touchscreen

Alex

 

Even out of warranty, to pay someone to make an attempt to repair the touch system would cost about the same (most likely more) as to replace the parts in question. That was my point, as i was adressing TB's comment about no fix's being listed on the internet.

 

I hope to god I don't ever have any worseing of the touchscreen down the road. Mine is very inaccuarate to start off with. Yes, I have calibrated it till I am blue. It might take a trip here soon over to the repair shop.

 

Long time no see guys!! I know you senior members remember the pain and heartache I've had with the cf29 touchscreens and I've recently had the time (after all the BS I've had going on) to sit down and take a close look at the touchscreen (20X magnified look). I noticed that the ribbon cable close to where it plugs into the PCB look like the plastic coating is separating. 5 out of 6 of the cf29s that I have all look like they have the same problem. I get no continuity right after that separation so it seems I might be on to something. Now the problem I'm currently having is how to scrap off a layer of that plastic protective layer to correct this issue. I have a way to correct it and improve it but I am not sure about how to go about removing a layer without tearing the whole ribbon cable apart. Anyone got any suggestions?

 

fine grit sand paper to the area you want to remove, and mask the other areas that you dont want damaged

 

Yep, i would suggest 1200-1600 grit, very very light pressure.

 

OMFG!

Dewed... this stuff is encased in polycarbonate sheathing... 1600 grit?!?!

He'd be at it 'til Eddie Murphy was funny again...

mnem
SNARF!!!

 

I used 1400 on my FX6831 when the lcd cable needed repair, didnt take too long. I always go by the slow and steady motto. You can always take more off, but you cant add on whats gone

 

Oh he knows that... just look at his dome!! HAHAHAHAHA

 

Hey !

Get away from me with that electric car buffer! I'm allergic to Sim0niz!

mnem
Here... lemme give you a FLAME TOUCH-UP... >~~~~(;

 

Not everyone on here has a 29, though I am figuring I may as well pick one up.

I started off with a cf-30 maybe 6 months ago and am sold on it after dealing with past laptops that were just throw away models.

 

Toughbooks are a "magic boomerang" type laptop... If you throw it away... Two come back! If you throw those away.... FOUR come back.... That's why some have so many!

 

You know, that logic wouldn't be so scary if it wasn't so close to the truth! Everytime I get another TB, I swear it is the last (at least for a while), then I see this deal on another and....... One of these days we are going to have to start a TBA group with it's own twelve step program. I think if this were another type of group, Rob, Rick, Emnem and others would be considered "enablers"! (I only say it because I love you guys)

 

I remember the day I got my 2nd TB. My wife looked at me with that look like "Oh my god he IS into these things for real" kinda look. If any of you guys knew me you would be amazed that I am into computers. I am the farthest thing from a techy kind of person. However, I think of a TB as being a "tool". I love things that are designed to take a beating, things that are different than everyday objects in life. The looks you get when you carry one around are astounding to say the least. Some look at it and wonder what it is, and the one's that do are in total shock and awe. I was sitting at an airport one day with some extra time and was working on the puter. There was this guy about 25 years old across from me that was just staring at my TB with that amazed look. When I pulled my antenna up I think he actually had a glory moment.

Hey Troop, did we get a different cruiser? Please tell us about it if you did.

 

Spooning is good, but forking is much more fun! ROFL