Panasonic CF-RZ Series

Hi,

Been toying with idea of getting one of the little 10" CF-RZ series notebooks.

Only found one thread about them here from 2014, unless I missed others.

Some questions I'm wondering about that I would really like to get input on.....

- Anyone using one of these little guys?

- Is there much difference in real world performance between the different cpu's used?

- Assuming one doesn't mind going a bit larger, the CF-SV7 or CF-MX be a much better machine?

- Would you recommend the RZ versus other little notebooks?

- Any recommendations as to where to get the Japanese market notebooks for shipping to USA?


Thanks for any and all input!

Mark

 

Ebay?

 

Thanks....

And forgot to mention that I know about conics.net

 

Conics.net..... hmm, I have no idea about that site .....yet...

 

I had an RZ5 and it was so light! Keyboard was too small too. I'd go with an XZ6 detachable for that kinda money. https://www-zdnet-com.cdn.ampprojec...zdnet.com/product/panasonic-toughbook-cf-xz6/

 

Thank you for your input. Very helpful.

 

@Almstprfct1 @FenderP : could you please comment on the battery life of your RZ ??
(I would like to have at least 7 hours of web surfing ... I have a chromebook flip c100 that has 8+ hours of web surfing and I've just bought a Panasonic ax3 but I am not sure it can reach 6 hours of websurfing (I am a little bit disappointed ... maybe I should just buy an extra battery though, that would be cheaper ... ))

PS :
@ArchiMark : aleado seems to be interesting to get an RZ from the japanese yahoo auctions site ... there are RZ which are not too expensive (starting around $400) if you go with the 4GB option ...

 

I buy an extra battery for all of my laptops / tablets.
That way I can run it full power for as long as I need.
I did not buy / build an i5 tablet only to be running it crippled by power save modes.

MORE POWER

 

I bought a Panasonic cf-rz last month in Japan. Someone helped me change the operating system to English, but I'm stumped about where to find a manual for this computer in English.

If there isn't a manual available in English, Is there another model commonly sold in English speaking countries that is similar enough that I can consult its manual?

 

This is the closest I have found so far.

https://cpt.pc-dlp.panasonic.co.jp/...a/cfsz6mk2_asia-readme-dhqx1320zaj1-6lang.pdf

 

Hello everyone.
CF-RZ is the smallest one and lightest laptop in the world.
It feels like tablet but it is laptop.
I use both of them and magnesium alloy housing is really good.
I don't think that cf-RZ4 and cf-RZ5 has big difference.
Paint on this models is not good enough.

 

if somebody would like buy cf-rz see ebay.
There are few listings now.Just try to search.

 

XZ6 is available at eBay too but it is too expensive model but of course really powerfully and newer.
How about xz6 lcd quality?
Is it looks like MacBooks retina or not?

 

12.0" QHD anti-reflective capacitive multi-touch display with 3:2 aspect ratio

 

thanks but it's about $500 still expensive to me
I am going to try to use my little acer chrometab 10 with its nice 4/3 screen ... they just fixed a bug in bluetooth that makes using it with a keyboard better

 

has somebody ever tried aleado ? there are more xz6 there and it might be possible to get a cheaper one there ...

 

I have owned CF-RZ4, CF-RZ5, and CF-RZ6. Curretnly contemplating CF-RZ8.

I love the form factor and the fact that no dongles are required: all essential connectors
are available directly on laptop. This is a full power main laptop, not just a gadget or
tablet. Using it, I do not need a separate desktop or work machine. I have always the
same environment whether I am on the move, at home, or at the desk.

I have learned to type very productively on the small keyboard (switching
to external larger keyboard actually reduces productivity). While the screen resolution
of 1920x1200 is good, I have found it useful to have an external 4k display as a
second head on those desks I visit often. I like the silver version better than the
black because it makes it easier to see the keys on just the screen backlight.

My CF-RZs take quite a beating because I do not consider laptop bag acceptable
extra. Thus there are dents and scratches (I do not mind, though some may say the paint
wears off easily), but I have never had mechanical or electronics failure.

The one annoying thing is the touch pad, which does not tolerate moisture. For example,
if I have washed hands and not dried them very well, there is risk of droplet of water
getting capillarily sucked into touch pad which then starts behaving erratically. It can take
several days for it to dry. I wish there was a teat mouse (as well) so there would be
backup when touch pad does not work. External USB mouse can of course be used.

I run Ubuntu Linux. I manipulate bios to boot from USB stick, wipe out Windows (I wish
they would sell it without OS installed), and install Linux from USB. All hardware works
out of box including wifi, ethernet, camera, microphone, (for video conferences
I do not recommend built in mic as sound quality is marginal), loudspeakers, dual head,
video acceleration and SD card reader.

Regarding where to buy: I have used whiterabbitexpress.com to order mine from Japan to Europe.

--Sampo

 

I really love the CF-RZ serie because of all what you said
Does it heat up ?? Maybe no so much if you use linux instead of Windows (I like MX Linux)

I must say I am waiting for the Jingpad A1 (they are going to release a video with the keyboard next week, I like that's 11 inch 4/3 ...)

Otherwise it seems like there are not so many CF-RZ8 on yahoo auctions (I am looking at zenmarket) right now ...
... for me I think the CF-QV8 might be a good option because I might be able to find it cheaper on yahoo auctions (although it's bigger but I like that it's 3/2, more powerful and still light at under 1 kilo ...) ... still kind of expensive though (I think it would be sthg like 1000Euros now + customs taxes ...)

 

In casual browsing and watching videos the fan does not run and machine stays cool. Video acceleration
working probably helps. In heavy duty pro work like compiling big software projects and running cad, the fan
runs and is able to keep the machine comfortable though warm, not hot.

--Sampo