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    Toughbook CF-U1

    Discussion in 'Panasonic' started by kusa, May 30, 2011.

  1. kusa

    kusa Notebook Consultant

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    Hey All,

    Been absent a while. I sold my field computer (cf-18) to replace it with the CF-U1. I'm still using my CF-29 as my primary home unit.

    I just wanted to give a prelim report on the CF-U1

    I have had the unit for about 2 months so...about half of which is actual field time.

    First off...the battery life is great! Running apps such as word processing and spread sheet (primary use in my field) I have been averaging about 12 hour run time with the two hot swap bat. I no longer need to swap out battery in the field for a 10-12 hour day. Awesome!

    The keypad, "tumbpad" as I call it, is nice as I no longer need to use the stylus for data entry. If need be I can always pull the stylus for on screen keyboard or work which requires such exact actions. In the dark the keypad has backlight option. Down side to the "thumbpad" keyboard: keys are small and take a bit to get used to ...especially if you have lost most of your nerve endings in the fingers. Also, the back light does not illuminate the function / secondary options; these you must just remember or have a flash light or bounce light from a reflective surface back on the keypad.

    Programmable Aux App keys are nice for launching apps used often. Indicating lights are clear and functional without unessential power consumption.

    Screen is nice and bright! Best yet compared to my cf-25,27,28,29 and 18. Downside: It is small. The zoom keys are nice but you can not select while in zoom...you have to zoom back out to select or enter data.

    Unit is nice and small so it fits into just about any field pack. I can hang the thing off my shoulder strap while hiking and it is barely noticeable compared to any of my past units. It is also lighter than the cf-18 but not by much. The smaller size however is a bonus for fast and light field crew like me.


    Overall I like the unit.


    FYI I have a basic unit....no camera (not good enough res for my work) no gps (I use a hand held unit). The SDHC is great for transferring files from camera and gps in field and notes to my cf-29 when I'm out of the field.

    More later.
     
    kusa, May 30, 2011
    #1
  2. toughasnails

    toughasnails Toughbook Moderator Moderator

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    Thanks for the review of the CF-U1. I have seen a few of them and was wondering what they were like :D
     
    toughasnails, May 30, 2011
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