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    Toughbook for relief work in Sichuan, China

    Discussion in 'Panasonic' started by Traveler_CF-29, May 23, 2008.

  1. Traveler_CF-29

    Traveler_CF-29 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi, everyone I need your advice.

    Depending on the situation right now and weather it is safe enough. I might be traveling to Sichuan, China this summer to help out with the relief. I was thinking about buying a Lenovo, which does offer pretty decent protection and I almost bought one.
    But since the area I am heading to will soon be hit by the seasonal Monsoon rain storm, occasional landslide, and earthquake. I don’t think the ThinkPad will be able to handle the punishment that I will be seeing.

    So I am thinking about buying a used Toughbook CF-29, I was quoted for $620
    Here are the specs:
    Intel 1.6 GHz
    1.5 GB ram
    80 GB hdd
    CD writer/DVD-rom
    WIFI
    Touch Screen

    After the purchase I will swap out the hdd for a new 160 GB Hitachi Travelstar 5K160.
    ( http://www.hitachigst.com/hdd/support/5k160/5k160_ov.htm)
    It sports 325G operating shock and 1000G non-operating shock, also 11ms access time and perpendicular magnetic recording makes it look like a winner to me.


    Suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
    Thank you.
     
    Traveler_CF-29, May 23, 2008
    #1
  2. Madsalty

    Madsalty Notebook Enthusiast

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    If your worried about the intergrity and speed of your hardrive SSD is the way forward:

    http://www.lhdigital.co.uk/product_info.php?language=en&currency=GBP&products_id=98751

    Just a thought but they are vastly overpriced.
     
    Madsalty, May 23, 2008
    #2
  3. Toughbook

    Toughbook Drop and Give Me 20!

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    The price that was quoted to you is a FABULOUS price for what you are getting. You should JUMP on that as soon as possible!
     
    Toughbook, May 23, 2008
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  4. Madsalty

    Madsalty Notebook Enthusiast

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    Actually good call didn't see it's in Dollars! Wow that's an incredible price buy it!
     
    Madsalty, May 23, 2008
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  5. ToughNut

    ToughNut Notebook Evangelist

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    No experience with the CF-28 but personally, I feel a CF-28 1Ghz model will suffice for those unpredictable moments. Add a 2nd battery pack* and that will provide more working time since even charging from a portable generator can be a luxury.

    *CF-VZSU1428. LI-ION Output 11.1V 3.6Ah
    Replaces your modular DVD/CDRW drive. I'm expecting one in the mail for my 28 and uncertain of compatibility with 29.
     
    ToughNut, May 23, 2008
    #5
  6. Toughbook

    Toughbook Drop and Give Me 20!

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    Actually this will work great with your CF-29... It's the CF-28 that you should worry about compatibility issues.
     
    Toughbook, May 23, 2008
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  7. Traveler_CF-29

    Traveler_CF-29 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Great! thanks for all your help.
    I'll give you guys a follow up later on.
     
    Traveler_CF-29, May 24, 2008
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  8. gravitar

    gravitar Notebook Deity

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    My $0.02 is, first of all, I salute you for helping out people in need. My second thought is, realistically, in the kind of dynamic situation you're likely to be entering, what are the chances of you and your toughbook parting company? Although you're getting a good deal on the CF29, you could be carrying a nicely outfitted CF28 for half that, or a P3-500 CF27 for half again. I've found that there isn't a whole heck of a lot you can't do with a P3 CF27, and you will maintain a high level of ruggedness and functionality for a minimal investment.
     
    gravitar, May 24, 2008
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