Shopping for Toughbook - some questions...

I have been fishing around eBay for an inexpensive Toughbook. Just really want one to have and play around with (hey, I'm a geek). I see a lot of models for sale at reasonable prices, and have a few questions about various models:

CF-18
I see that wifi is stated in auctions - is it built-in or is it a card you have to insert (that sticks out)?
Are the keys backlit?
Is the touchscreen useful (writing, onenote, etc)?
Worth $399?
http://cgi.ebay.com/Panasonic-Toughbook-CF-18-1-1ghz-Tablet-PC-used-WIFI_W0QQitemZ200397746079QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLaptops_Nov05?hash=item2ea8a2ef9f

CF-28
Is bluetooth/wifi built-in, or are they dongles (similar to my question above)?
All model keyboards backlight?
Is the screen sufficiently bright for outside sunlight use?
Good deal?
http://cgi.ebay.com/Panasonic-Toughbook-CF-28-Laptop-Computer-XP-GPS-rugged_W0QQitemZ190344301814QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLaptops_Nov05?hash=item2c51678cf6

CF-29
Is it true that GPS isn't built-in?
Are the keys backlight?
Is the screen considerably brighter than the CF-18/CF-28?
Wifi/bluetooth built-in?
Is this worth the $40 premium over the CF-28?
http://cgi.ebay.com/Panasonic-Toughbook-CF-29-Laptop-Computer-XP-GPS-rugged_W0QQitemZ190344302199QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLaptops_Nov05?hash=item2c51678e77


Are all of these models capable of running Windows 7?

Lastly, which one would you buy?vv

TIA.

 

I will pass on the advice that the member "toughbook" gave me when I first came here. That laptopenterprise place isn't that good. The first sign is the painted lids. This covers up any heavy usage in the past. Also the paint scratches very easily. Second with that company there is nothing inernal no cd drive inside no wifi nothing except the gps on that cf-28. They give you a pcmia card for wifi and a usb cdrom drive. Plus on that gps they claim that they are toughbook specialists and they cant get the gps to work.

the 29 is a big improvement over the 28. The 28 max is 1ghz and 512mb of ram. The 29 you can get up to a 1.6ghz and 1.5g of ram. The 29 has built in wireless already with dual antennas that are pretty powerful.

Here is the one I bought "toughbook" recommended it to me. It has the emissive keyboard which is a 150-200 dollar option.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200321798465&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

 

Thanks for your help. I just bought a CF-29 from "citymesastuff."

Hopefully I like it. Price was a bit steep, but I'm ok with it based on the recommendation.

Edit: I shot first and now I'm asking questions later...haha.

So, does the model I bought have an internal CD drive? Does it have touchscreen? Wifi is built-in, right? (description says antennas are built in...). Bluetooth?

 

I think you will love it.

As far as slamming particular sellers.... Well... We all have our hot buttons and painted laptops are mine. Face it.... When buying a used car... Would you rather buy a car that may have a few scratches that still looks good and works great... Or would you rather have an "Earl Sheib" painted car that covers up all history and wear.

Hotsauce... Welcome to the forum. I think you will be happy with that choice and seller. I think the CF-29, for the money, is the best choice out there. Unless you specifically must have a tablet or convertible. The Mesa laptops come in dirty but usually clean up VERY nicely.

 

Hey thanks Toughbook. I will always happily pay a premium for a more reliable/honest product. I did purchase a Fujitsu T4010 from the other seller just this morning, though. Hopefully it's in good condition.

What's the product # for these Mesa models? (CF-XXXXXXXXX)?

 

I don't recall the exact model number (You can figure it out with the configurator) but they are 1.3GHz MK2 models with emissive keyboards and are wireless ready. They are all touchscreen models. They fluctuate between 256MB and 512MB base RAM. I believe they load the OS from Recovery Disks so you pretty much have a factory fresh installation. Like I said... They just need to be thoroughly cleaned.

 

for the cd drive this is what I bought

http://cgi.ebay.com/PANASONIC-CF-VC...C_Drives_Storage_Internal?hash=item1e58c7b2f2

Its just a cd drive but you can later put in a burner after a very minor mod. You can see that mod in the CF-29 F.A.Q.

It doesent have bluetooth

I am eventually getting this
http://images.google.com/imgres?img...cf-29+gps&hl=en&rlz=1B3GGGL_enUS280US280&um=1

It has bluetooth but I dont know how well it work since the computer is all magnesium

 

Thanks shackwrr. One more question...is this the touchscreen version?

 

Yes.... It is...

 

I don't exactly know where to put this but I wanted to put it somewhere...

I originally started the process of purchasing a Toughbook by sending a query to Toughbook (the person) at his ebay persona regarding a Toughbook (the computer) he was selling.
However, I later carried on the dialogue via PM on this forum and bought one that wasn't for sale on ebay.
That means I was unable to give him positive feedback and I would very much like to.
Since this is a thread about shopping for a Toughbook then I will say this:
I bought one from Toughbook (the person) and the transaction has been one of the best online transactions I have ever been involved in.
He is professional, helpful, knowledgeable and patient.
If you can afford to, go with him...

 

Oh my stars! Now we will never be able to live with him! Rick...don't let this go to your head...either of them!

BTW, did you ever get the chance to read my PM and have you got any prices for me yet?

Robert

 

Andrew... Thanks for the kind words. I appreciate it. But I don't really advertise here... Though I do tell my customers about this site if they seem up to learning more about the workings of their Toughbook. I'm glad you like your new toy.

I used to let it go to my head... Now it is kind of the opposite... I'm a little worried when they DON'T flip! I put in a lot of time and extras into my stuff and I think it shows. I'm trying to think up different things that others don't do and have been ordering parts and stuff to make that happen in a "test auction" in the next week or two. A LOT of extras that nobody has ever offered before. At least the way I want to do it.

If you are curious... You can stay tuned.

 

So, my CF-29 arrived today from citymesa. I don't seem to have Wifi...

Am I missing something?

 

Post your full model # and I will look and see the options
Some models are wi-fi ready , meaning the antennas are built-in and mini-pci slot is empty
Look in the bios, buy hitting F2 on boot and look and see if wireless networking is listed

Alex

 

My model # is CF-29EWKGXKM

I checked and it says 802.11b+g on the CPU listing.

For the life of me I can't find the Wifi on this thing.

Do I need one of these:?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Sony-VGN-AX570G-Wireless-WIFI-Board-1-761-864-51-2200BG_W0QQitemZ280411042932QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item4149ccf474#ht_3121wt_948

EDIT: nevermind, I'm an idiot. It was disabled in the BIOS.
All is well now...

 

I looked up that model number and it says it has the rubber backlit keyboard. Does it still have that option? I though the auction said it was the emissive chicklet one.

 

I'm pretty sure it's an emissive one...although I'm not certain of the difference.
The keys have a white backlight. They aren't rubber keys...more like a normal keyboard style key.

Does that sound like the emissive one?

There are several differences between the actual specs and the specs on Panasonic's page. I have 512mb RAM and an 80GB HDD for example.

Here are some pics of my keyboard. Which one is it?

 

Its the best keyboard you can buy
The emissive chicklet
Worth $140 used as the new price from panasonic is about $300

Alex

 

Awesome. Glad to hear I got the better version.

Typing on it is incredible. Very clicky and solid feeling.

On an unrelated note, my wife saw the Toughbook and thinks I've officially lost my mind. Oddly enough, she just doesn't understand...

 

wow yours came with the 80gb? The ebayl listing said it had a 40. Wow cant wait to get mine in the mail. Its sitting on the fedex truck waiting for monday to crawl around. You probably called in earlier than I did. They couldnt find my order on monday so I had to call tuesday. Is yours in preatty good shape and have all the port covers?

You did order from city of mesa didnt you?

 

Yep. Ordered through City Mesa on eBay.

The CF-29 was in GREAT condition. Very, very clean. Maybe I just got lucky with a cleanly officer...

It's an incredible machine. Very pleased. The touchscreen is more useful than you think. I use it all the time.

You will be happy!

 

For wifi you need to make sure that it is enabled in the BIOS and that you have t turned on in the program. (Intel Proset) If you open up Proset there will be a "Turn ON" check box or similar.

 

New here, I just bought a 28 on ebay, Pent III, 800 Mhz, 512 Ram, 30G HD Batt and Charger for 99. plus 20 shipping. Came from 2nd solutions. So far very happy and will be back begging for tech help. Like Rick said somewhere, I got the addiction! (& it feels GOOD)