Okay, time to upgrade the cf-29 or newr machine?

I am a low power user for the cf-29. I use it for spread sheets, IR,FF,Crome, Vidios. The two gripes, no mic no 3D driver for Google Earth. I have thought of keeping it and want to know how much of a improvement in power can I see with a solid state drive running windows 7? Also, I do not necessarily need a cf-29 I can run the business version of the tough book. It is thinner and lighter. I do not work out in the rain "almost all my work is indoors"

Second, I am racking up on my Dataplan on my cell, so want a GPS based navigation system on the laptop and have it mounded on a pedestal in the truck.BTW, is there a built in camera on some of the more newer model vs my old cf-29ntQgzbm ?

Thanks you guys are great at responding!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Windows is significantly faster using an SSD compared to the experience you are used to. Also the CF-29 has been discontinued for quite some time, you would need to look into a newer version of a toughbook if that's still what you need. In fact that thing is so old its successor is discontinued. The toughbook 31 is the new one. It is way more powerful and has an i5 or i7 instead of the pentium m you are used to which is crazy old. They are also very expensive compared to their performance, so I highly suggest looking elsewhere is you don't need the ridiculously strong build quality. It also has a webcam and would run things like Google Earth, I have no idea about GPS though sorry.

 

CF-53 w/Gobi 2000 or better. GPS is part of the package. For multiple use antennas the 53 works "pretty good" by itself. With USB GPS antenna in the dock better yet. Backlit keyboard option.
No camera.
Mine has gone through two table top to floor falls and survived.

Option 2 CF-52GUN____. Touchscreen, 1024x768 lcd, red led backlight on keyboard. Runs Gobi2000, not as good reception with GPS (compared to CF-53). (bargain price)

Option 3 CF-19 ....I'd go i5 or better. Smaller footprint in the dock. Best reception yet with Gobi GPS out of dock.
Maybe a 19 user can report re: camera.
Small keyboard...better with backlit chiclet.

My 2 cents...oh!..then there is CF-30MK3...hard to beat...W7 coa...

I have 52GUN and 30MK3 (IN STOCK)

 

The built in micro makes it tough to find a reasonably priced model......I will have to search....
Other than the built in micro, I recommend a CF52. Semi rugged 15" screen. You can get them with ATI graphics..They do have a mic port right up front so it would be easy to plug a mini-micro in.

 

CF53 has web cam as a option ....pricy though

 

Option's screen resolution is atrocious, try for at least FHD.

 

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Based on what you have and what you want. It sounds like you want a CF-30. The 30 will be reverse compatable with your dock, full time dedicated GPS is a option either factory or aftermarket. This would give you same basic thing you have now. Just dual core, SATA hard drive options with out a adapter, build in SD card, express slot, PCMCIA slot. You can use any current batteries with it that you have with your CF-29 except the media bay battery.

Mk1 CF-30 1.6 core duo, 32 bit only, 4gb ram, 945 intel video and chipset, known to have bad touchscreens.
Mk2 1.6 core 2 duo, 64 bit processor, 4gb plus ram, 965 intel chipset x3100 intel graphics. No known touchscreen issues.
Mk3 1.6 core 2 duo, 64 bit processor, 4gb plus ram, intel 4500 chipset and graphics.

Also if you want something smaller and fully rugged the CF-19 is a option, It's up to it's 7th Mk right now.

On the semi rugged side there is the CF-74, 52 and 53. The 74 is squarish like the CF-29/30 but close to half the thickness. You would have to mod in a gps and it wasn't a factory option. You would have to mod the lights for a back lit keyboard as well for them to work properly.

The 52 is a 15" wide screen semi rugged laptop. It has a standard model and a ATI graphics version every generation. The ATI model has the higher resolution screen.

The 53 is semi rugged. 14" wide screen. Backlight keyboard, no dedicated graphics, lots of other options for them.

On the business class machines a 7,8,9 series could work as well. The 5 sereis are dual core, but ram options sucks and does the IDE hard drive. The 7 series up has the standard full sized laptop ram and SATA hookup. In small 12" laptop, or a thin and light 15" model. GPS would have to be modded into it.

 

hi you want to go cf 30 mk3 or better as it will run win 7 fine and win 10, pc check says, as it comes out in July, says upgrade no problems. I have one and it is my main laptop. it uses a Intel 965 graphics chipset, plus get with gps / blue tooth, max out memory. I have even seen them with 1TB hhds or SSDs

as win 10 is it for the next 5-10 years according to Microsoft you will get long life out of it..............................

Ps I run copy ms map point 2013 for travel, great combo..........................