Toughbook choices

Hi,

I am extremely excited to find a community of people dedicated strictly to the toughbook! I'm looking for a used Toughbook as a simple every day PC and this seems to fit the bill.

I will be using a laptop mainly to access Office features (Word, Power Point), and some databases (Haz Mat, Emergency First Responder information, etc). I'm now stuck between a 1.1Ghz CF-18 or a CF-29 (1.2 or1.3Ghz).

The Tablet feature on the CF-18 is quite nifty and I can see it possibly being used a bit. However, the CF-29 just seems to offer better bang for your buck but is a bit larger. Which model would you go for? Do the touch screen work similary between the two? Are the CF-18's plagued with the grumpy touchpad that is hard to move about?

Also, I have been doing quite a bit of reading regarding hard drives and it is a shame that Hitachi dropped their 7200 line. Would I see a big difference between a 5400RPM drive vs a 7200rpm drive when it comes to Office tasks and some modeling software? I would love to run a 7200RPM drive, but I don't think any other company out there makes PATA drives .

Many thanks,

Brian

 

Brian,
On my 29, I noted more difference by increasing the ram; not as much the 7200 rpm Hd.

 

Brian,

Welcome to the forum! Yes... We are fanatics about our Toughbooks... The BEST & most rugged laptop on the planet!

Personally, from what you say you'd use it for, I'd go with the CF-29. It is less expensive and , I feel, much more moddable. (If you are into that!)

Pappy is correct. The difference in hard drive speed won't mean much if you max out the RAM on the 29. There is a slight difference but nothing really worth mentioning. I'd go with a large 160GB or 250GB 5400 rpm hard drive. That will keep you set for a few years.

What is your budget? There are many laptops out there... Check the sellers feedback to make sure they have sold stuff like that in the past with 100% satisfied customers. Also... I'd steer clear of any of the 29s that are an off lease Verizon or Sprint laptops as we have seen a few issues with those.

You've definitely come to the right place. The combined knowledge on this forum is astounding. Just about any question can be answered.

Anyway... Again... Welcome to the forum and don't be a stranger.

Rick

 

Thanks for the welcome, guys. Looks like 5400 is the way to go if I do get a Toughbook.

Rick, I think I have seen your "Ultimate Toughbook" on Ebay and it's very nicely done, but it just a bit out of my budget range. I'm looking to spend around $700-900 for a Toughbook. There are some nice models on that auction site, but can't determine whether paying an extra $100 is worth the .1Ghz improvement.

What do you guys think? Would anyone happen to have a CF-18 handy for a size comparision? I'm just concerned that a CF-29 might be a bit too large to lug around everyday.

Many thanks,

Brian

 

I have a CF-18 and CF-28 at home. I find myself using the CF-18 more than the CF-28 due to the size and weight. If your are having to carry around your laptop, I think you will be happier with the CF-18.

 

Olmectech,

Thanks for the response. How does the touchscreen work out for ya? I've done some reading and some people say that it's tricker to use than a CF-29 due to its smaller size.

Can the CF-18 be upgraded the same way as a CF-29 can, such as HDD and memory, or is everything placed differently on both computers?

 

Well, just bought a CF-29 on ebay for $779. No CD or floppy drive, but then again, I just about never use it. Hopefully I didn't get shafted. *knock on wood*

Here is the link to the auction-

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=150272741647

 

You might have gotten it a little cheaper but you certainly didn't get ripped off. I've paid more... And I've paid less for the same thing.

You probably will need the DVD to load programs.

A few things you should get;
1. Max out the RAM... $70
2. Get a media Battery ... $90
3. Larger hard drive (Preferably a 7200 rpm, 100GB if you can get a deal below $150 or just go with a 160GB, 5400rpm Hitachi.

Just my two cents...

 

multimedia battery is a lifesaver (literally, it takes a huge life reduction off ur $300 expensive ass main battery)... I had one of my CF-29, made a world of difference! (but don't have it for my CF-30 yet )

 

Hi,

I already have 1gig of ram inbound, so we'll see how it goes! As for the battery, do you mean adding a battery to the media bay?

Where can you find this second battery for $90? I've found a battery that fits in the bay, but the website wants $200 for it! The model number provided is CF-VZSU1428W.

Also, how does the media bay battery work? Does it work in tandem with your "original" battery, using less drain on both and maximizing life?

 

I spent $181 on mine 3 years ago... Don't know what they are going for now

 

batteryrefill.com has them for $69. I just one from them. And yes, they work in tandem with your main battery. Basically, when you are drawing, it draws from the media battery first, then will "kick in" the main battery when it's dead. For charging, it does the opposite; charges the main battery first, then the media batter. One note though, do not refresh them together; do them separately as this will not only take a LONG time to accomplish, it could/will confuse the toughbook's battery life meter into giving you a false read out.

 

Doobie, I went to batteryrefill.com and could not find the exact model number battery as the one posted on the last page. Would you have a link to this said battery?

 

Thank you for the tip and it's great to learn something new everyday.

As for false reading, it's like a wet dream...

...never real after you awake! Then again, I might not complain as much if it's indeed 11 hours!

Back on topic. Brew, the media bay battery (CF-VZSU1428) now yield a total average of 3.5 hours with the LCD brightness toned down. My main batt is good for about 45mins. Duration also depends on what it's running. Once you have yours refilled, please update us on the results.

 

Ha.. My CF-30 shows 12+ hours.... And it RUNS for 12+ hours.... Gotta love it!

 

I'm gonna hit u!

 

Mine says CF-VZSU1428W. If you go to their website, click on the CF-VZSU14. That is the battery. They list it as $89, but I was only charged $69. Maybe they screwed up on my billing? Either way, it is there.

They are an ok company, turning out good products, but take literally FOREVER to ship. If you can deal with the wait, I believe it is worth it.

 

Thanks for the link and help!

My CF-29 just came in today---wow! Thing's a brute. Not as big as I feared it to be.

The media battery may have to wait, though. I have 1 gig of Corsair's RAM sitting in front of me (would anyone know what size screwdriver would work to get the memory bay's screws out?) and a 160gb Hitachi on the way.

Even by its current configuration, I'm pleasantly surprised at its speed. Nearly comparable to my current 3.06Ghz Pent. 4, 7200rpm, 512mb Sony.

Can't wait to see what affect these new additions would have.

Oh, and a mighty thanks to Rick for helping me out with finding some Recovery Disks!

 

Doobi, I checked out the site and CF-VZSU14 doesn't even resemble the CF-VZSU1428W. It's great to see they handle international shipping and accept cards. Guess I'll be emailing them too. Thanks for the reassuring end-user's opinion.

 

hi brewmiester to get toughbook scews out read this entire thread: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=236972&highlight=snap+on hope it's good to you!

 

brewmiester,
Do a eBay search for Wiha screw drivers. They are the best! I bent one of my tiny flat blade ones with severe abuse. Whacked it back to shape on the vise and it's as good as new!
Cap

 

But did you use your toughbook as the hammer!? Now THAT would be awesome!!! hehe

 

I went over to a local radio shack and purchased their small set of fine screwdrivers for a few bucks. Sure enough, one did fit the bill and I now have 1.5 gigs of RAM up and running!

My HDD comes in on Wed., so I hopefully will see an even greater performance boost!!

You guys are the best!!!!

I suppose the next thing to purchase in the future is a media bay battery...hmm.

 

brewmeister,
Go here, Bill is a really good guy, the stuff is brand new and seems to hold a full or almost full charge so they are not worn out from sitting on a shelf. He will reply to emails and work with you on price.
http://cgi.ebay.com/PANASONIC-CF-VZSU1428-2ND-BATTERY-for-CF28P-CF28S-CF29_W0QQitemZ260267093065QQihZ016QQcategoryZ11169QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Cap