So I just bought a CF-29 mk2 touch...

... and after reading the FAQs, I think I'll be upgrading the ram when it gets here to 1.25GB (though more would have been nice). I would have liked to snag a 1.6 but those seemed hard to find at a reasonable price. 250 for the mk2 was more in my price range considering this probly won't be used for processor intensive stuff. My concerns though are that it's coming with a FDD, can I just pop that out of the bay and insert a CD/DVD (or preferably DVD-R drive) in there or is the process more involved?

Also the standard HDD upgrade seems to be the Weston 320GB 5400's, are there any other options like SSD or are the Westons the top of the line right now? I wouldn't mind a smaller (like 60-100GB) SSD for the OS and core apps, even if it meant running an external HDD for extra data.

Also whats the standard GPS option at this point, and what are you guys running for aircards or tethering? I bought this with the intention you use it as a no nonsense go anywhere outdoor laptop, so net access out and about is gonna be a must.

 

Welcome. to the forum. .the best thing to do is have a look at the CF-29FAQ .

Yes but this is what you need http://www.ebay.com/itm/Panasonic-T...C_Drives_Storage_Internal&hash=item56490639f6 You will not see them any cheaper than that.

Then you need to read this first http://www.toughbooktalk.com/public_downloads/HDD%20%26%20CDD%20swap/CF-28%20CD%20to%20DVD%20Swap.htm

Try reading here http://forum.notebookreview.com/panasonic/221874-adding-gps-cf-29-a.html
Every thing can be found here http://forum.notebookreview.com/panasonic/241106-cf-29-f-q-read-me-before-posting.html This should give you a better under standing of your "new to you" Toughbook. Once you get it you might understand some of the things we touch on in the CF-29FAQ.

 

Cheap but, that won't work if he wants a DVD drive.

 

Be sure to check out the Interesting Quarks thread so you can see what you can take from a CF-30 and put on your 29 (*Cough, handle with stylus holder just to name one*)

http://toughbooktalk.com/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=815

 

That's true but I did not think he would want to pay $90.00+ for one when he could do it this way for a little over half the price. I just noticed that techtuff has the non-oem ones and if I am right these do not need the mod and he is also a member of this forum too . I will PM him and see CD-Rom CDRom CD Drive & Caddy Panasonic Toughbook CF-27 CF-28 CF-29 - Warranty | eBay

Check back...he should reply to this thread soon

 

I can sell the caddy without the cd-rom, normally just do them in lots of 5 on eBay, but PM me and I can sell you one for $25 inc. airmail (Canada post takes about $8 for airmail)

Caddy will work with any optical drive (except Panasonic brand due to Master / slave settings) WITHOUT ANY mods.

They are frankly a cheaper quality caddy, am trying to get manufacturer to improve it, but otherwise they work well. Just don't expect typical toughbook quality.

later

 

NP, just wanted to make sure OP knew it didn't include DVD capability.

 

Thanks, as that was not obvious to me when I read the post. I'm really looking for more of a drop in solution to the DVD drive swap. I'm not technically inclined when it comes to hardware, and me with soldering iron is a scary sight.


ETA: I think I may just end up snagging one of these from techtuff
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220946509534&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:CA:1123

 

As long as it doesn't $#@% the bed when I inevitably drop my toughbook I'm ok with the caddy being third party.

 

There is really not much to the caddy/media bay case anyways and Andre will treat you right. I would send him a PM or email.

 

What RAM manufacturer/model do you guy's like the best for upgrades, especially considering low failure rate and ruggedness is the goal here. I'm trying to find a 1GB (though I wish I could go higher) stick, and I'm not sure what exactly to go with.

Newegg.com - AllComponents 1GB 200-Pin DDR SO-DIMM DDR 333 (PC 2700) Laptop Memory Model ACSO333X64/1024

or
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SODIMM-1GB-...ltDomain_0&hash=item19c6b7bbb9#ht_2194wt_1037

That seems to be the cheapest that is a 200pin ddr 1gb, will that be work/be good enough or is it worth it to drop a bit more coin?

 

I use Micron , Kingston or Hynix ...yes they cost a little more but I have never had any problems with them

 

a/k/a Crucial Technologies

I have Crucial SODIMMs in almost all my Toughbooks.

 

Heh heh... That's what you think NOW! I'll wager that within 6 months you have three toughbooks and have already done 5 mods!

Yes... They are addictive... But not as expensive as narcotics! These will push you past where you thought you can go!*

Welcome to the forum!

*Can I get an AMEN!?

 

AMEN!
(10 LETTERS)

 

AMEN! indeed

 

yes, Ahem indeed_ Crucial are very good!

 

I don't know what you're talking about Rick... I'm not addicted...

 

Said our "dealer"....

 

Well I picked it up today. Other than the scratches on the case that I had already noticed, when I got it home I saw there is a small nick in the screen, or rather the screen protector film, bout 2.5mm long. Not really worth replacing I don't think. More annoying than anything else. Also I'm seeing what sort of looks like "dirt" on a fairly small portion of the screen , but obviously its not. It appears to be under the touch screen, but its only noticeable at certain angles and doesnt prevent one from seeing what's there . Once again more just a bit annoying. Any thoughts to what it is?

Over all the comp appears to be in great shape. I'm still getting used to the rubberized keys, the touchpad (which is a bit less fluid then I am used to), and the touch screen. Overall I'm liking it though, but I have realized that more "modern" gaming laptops have me spoiled on power. Its not slow (actually quite a bit faster than I thought it would be) but its not a 4.0ghz 16GBram 500GB SSD gaming rig. I think once I upgrade the ram, swap in DVD burner, and replace the HD with an upgraded 320GB or a 120SSD it will more than meet my requirements (which are basically that of a glorified netbook that I can take out into the woods with me).

 

Since you have it now what is the full model numberCF-29#######

 

Cf-29ewkgzkm


I'm actually posting from it right now. I'm trying to put it through its paces before I leave feedback. I spent 6 hours installing all the updates as it was apparently a fresh install. Still thinking about Ubuntu though.

 

Model Number:CF-29EWKGZKM
Status : DISCONTINUED
MSRP:$4,756
Description: Pentium M 1.3G LV (Centrino), 13.3Transmissive Touch XGA ,256MB,40GB,WLAN802.11b+g, WinXP,BacklitKBD

 

Yup that's it. Other than the 1.3 instead of 1.6, the 1.25 instead of 1.5GB ram (or the ever ellusive 2.25 capable board), and perhaps a built in SD slot (which is not a big deal at all) this one had all the features I was looking for. I figured I'd get more out of the rubberized keyboard (and it's resistance to water) and the touchscreen than I would .3ghz and 256mb of ram.

 

Well pop in the ubuntu 10.10 cd/dvd with windows running and go for the "install within windows" It will set up a dual boot when you reboot it asks you if you want ubuntu or windows to start. After the install it runs independently of windows. And if you don't like it you can uninstall it under windows add/remove programs like a program but it is a seperate OS.