The CF-28 FAQ

The Panasonic Toughbook CF-28 Information​

Updated from the older one

What’s in this post

• What’s in the box
• What model you have
• Covers
• Trackpad
• The M(ultimedia) P(ocket)
• What to do with it

What’s in the box​

In the box or anything like hands or lap etc etc is the CF-28. The AC adapter is 16 volt and looks like this
View attachment 174874
A IBM thinkpad adapter will work but will have to unsolder and solder the correct head and then solder everything back and hope it works

What model do you have​

The CF-28 is 3 MKs (marks). The MK1 600 MHz is the CF-28M. The MK2 800 MHz is the CF-28P. The MK3 1000MHz/ 1 GHz is CF-28S. The ram is capped out at 768MB for the CF-28P and CF-28S the ram for 600MHz is for 512MB(?). They are SD-Ram and 600s are very picky with some showing half so be mindful of what you buy

Covers​

Almost all Toughbooks have port covers. The CF-28 has them on the fallowing: PCMCIA, 16v in, USB, PS2 Keyboard and mouse, Audio (headphones and microphones), VGA, Printer port, Serial, and the MP. The USB to Serial is under a larger panel but both have there own covers.

Trackpad/Keyboards​

The trackpad is a presser-sensitive so it can be used with gloves and it’s not great. What I recommend is to use a external mouse but the now uncommon PS/2 port won’t have brand new mouses so if you have a flash drive in the USB port then buy a PS/2 to USB adapter. The keyboard is either a white keycapped and a backlit rubbery chiclet style. However MK1 owners the rubber keyboard isn’t going to work at all because this doesn’t have the correct ribbon cable. Unless you don’t want it to be backlit then you could.

What to do with it​

I have a CF-28S and I use it for radio stuff. I bought it at a police auction. Still had OG drivers and all. Drivers can be found online and on disc from eBay listings.

 

Oops. I guess this is a updated version

 

Maybe your comments can be amended to the already section (if needed)
I love the energy that new users exude...here's a link to a great site that has lot's of information on these old, obsolete toughbooks...and more:
http://toughbooktalk.com/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=1934
...by the way (BTW)...this link if you read through is where I discovered Mx 14 Linux, the earlier version of 18.2 we all know and love

 

Man does that thread take me back in time. One of the reasons why I joined this forum in the first place. Modly , capt.dogfish , tough-to-go , mnementh , Alex , ToughNut , Zippy-Man , Doobi and gravitar (may he rest in peace) , these guys knew Toughbooks inside and out. Too bad they are not around any more.

 

I remember when you all gifted a tricked out 29 when I first started to Menmnemeth (sp)..


Sent from my CF-M34

 

I remember that...his 28 was stolen so we all put $$ towards a 29...that was the good old days.

 

A CF-28 got stolen from a gas satiation. It was a MK3 tricked out. Now I have one that’s in like new shape and is a lot better

 

Alright. I found found some more info. I recently got a 28 with a strange keyboard. It is hard keys and has a green backlighting. I have only seen this on 2-3 other toughbooks so if anyone knows PM me or something

 

From a previous posting:
http://toughbooktalk.com/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=1934
Here's what I have in the basement collecting dust...
This is the model and factory specs:
Model Number: CF-28SUJGVKM
Status: DISCONTINUED MSRP: $6,001
Description: P3-1GHz, 13.3"Transmissive-TOUCH, 30GB, 256, FDD, 56K, Ethernet NIC, Cisco Wireless LAN 802.11b, Whip Antenna, GPS, FILM, CF-WKB281M (Factory EL backlit), Win XP.
Note "Factory EL backlit)

 

Ok. Thanks UNCNDL1

 

When you try to install W7 on a 28 W7 will give you a warning that your computer does not meet W7 spec. of 1 GHz CPU and 1 GB of RAM minimum. It would not let me install it. I did install it on a CF-29 and took the HDD out and put it in the 28 . Got a lot of drivers workings but holy crap it was some slow. It would take 10-12 minutes to start. My CF-28 was a MK3. Still have it now...it's my first Toughbook. My wifi antenna was a rubber one on the left front side . Worked some good at the time (10 years ago) Might dig it out sometime and post a picture of it. Thanks to @Toughbook (Rick) for helping me with my very first mod.

 

Funny thing is is that windows vista will run but hold crap is it laggy. I mean simple games like MS Golf will run in XP at decent speeds but in vista I was lucky to have drivers, anything. I switched back to 2000 Datacenter as I use my CF-28 as a workhorse for my wifi and server as its almost always on unless it’s in my truck (I also bought a car thing for it) or being used to play P3 games or radio stuff and hooked up to my homemade CB radio thing that shows what it says on the screen and a lot of other things.

 

Is there a CF-27 FAQ because I might make one? Although to anyone who wants to add just comment and I will add it copy and paste but ehhhh who cares