Toughpad for Linux suggestions?

Shawn's efforts with running Linux on a FZ-G1 Toughpad has me thinking that something like that might solve a few problems for me. So, I thought I would ask for suggestions as to which model might be most suitable for my purposes. Cost matters but so does capability. I have installed and run Linux distributions before but I'm not really an experienced user. In the past I have set up systems but they wouldn't get used enough to stay updated, but this time I have a specific application in mind.

My use would be primarily for accessing reference materials - PDF documents, ebooks, text files, archived web pages, simple data base files, minimal Internet use. No games, high end graphics, processor intensive applications or the like. No data syncing or dependence on the Cloud/third parties. I'm not familiar with the Toughpad models, so some of the following may be standard or not available.

It must run Linux with more or less complete functionality
Specific Linux distro not important, but Debian based
Something around 10 inch screen (9 inch minimum)
I don't really need fully ruggedized, although it is nice.
I would like sunlight readable screen, but brightly lit room would do.
This is for home use, not business or travel, so size/weight are lesser importance.
WiFi needed, Bluetooth desired
Cellular data not needed
GPS not needed
Security features like fingerprint reader not needed

Any suggestions?

 

Do you want a tablet only form factor? What about a light notebook? I had a CF-52 mk5 before(or any CF-52 with 1920x1200 mate lcd) and it worked very well with Ubuntu mate. They are also getting pretty cheap on ebay now.

If you want a tablet(my experience with a FZ-G1 mk1) with linux beware that it might get very frustrating to set it up to your liking, the virtual keyboards in desktop environments beside unity/gnome 3 are poorly integrated and touch hold right click does not work out of the box with mate, not sure with gnome 3. Auto-rotate works with gnome 3 but sound does not out of the box(last time i tried with ubuntu 18.10).

 

Check PM.

 

Thanks, but right now I'm thinking tablet for several reasons. I tried it with Linux loaded on a netbook and the tablet idea seemed preferable. I want something I can pick up, do a quick reference check and then put down out of the way.

 

G1 is fairly rugged. 10 inch screen.
Q1 is not as rugged but a larger screen.
CF 19 convertible has 10 inch screen that rotates.
CF 19 is cheapest followed by G1 and the Q1 Will be most costly.

 

IMHO, FZ-G1 is nearly perfect, with exception of relatively short battery life using standard battery. (About 4 hours) Extended battery can fix that.

Elementary works perfectly on it once you fool with a couple settings.

Have you followed Shawn's thread:
FZ G1 tips, tricks, mods ?

 

Yes, that is what gave me the idea. Battery life isn't a major concern since I am most likely to use it where recharging is relatively convenient.

Working on a solution now, I'll report back when I have it in hand.

 

Just to update this thread... after my original post, Sheepman let me know he was selling an FZ-G1 on behalf of another forum member. After a few PMs I had custody of a nice low hour FZ-G1 Mk 1 with 8 GB RAM, 240 GB SSD, GPS, WWAN card, both cameras, new extended battery, iKey keyboard and rotating hand strap. It has Win 7 loaded but was running MX-18 from an external drive. It is working well and I have set it up to dual boot MX-18.1 and the original Win 7.

It has been awhile since I played with Linux so I'm back at the bottom of the learning curve. I haven't verified all functionality under Linux but from reports everything important should work after configuration. So far I haven't hit any show stoppers. I'm in no hurry so I'm just dealing with one thing at a time. I think I'll stick with MX-18.1 for awhile unless I trip over some problem that causes me grief.

Thanks to Sheepman and the seller for hooking me up with a nice little toy.