What exactly is a Permanent Display Removable Computer?

So, what exactly is a Toughbook Permanent Display Removable Computer? Is it kind of like a docking station with a display?

There is one on ebay for a decent price, item 330300247247.

Just wondering what I would do with it!!

 

Sort of, but I wouldn't even go so far as calling it a docking station. Essentially it is just a rugged set of monitor and keyboard (but with some extra Toughbook buttons), made for installation in a vehicle. You hook them up to a Toughbook with the usual cables, and get the power from the vehicle. A better way would probably be to also get a port replicator/docking station, which you would install in the vehicle as well, and then connect the PDRC to the dock.

Here is Panasonic's page for the kit, there is a specs-PDF with more detailed information, and you should be able to find the manuals in the usual Toughbook download pages.

Björn

 

Thanks for the info.

 

As the name says “Permanent Display”

Most configurations have the toughbook in the trunk ,remotely controlled by the display and keyboard
If you have all the correct parts , and a compatible model toughbook you can even turn the toughbook on or off remotely

These screens are Bright
For instance The cf-30 touchscreen which has the brightest screen of any toughbook has a rating of 1000nit
The 12.1 inch CF-VDL02BMKB display is even brighter at 1200nits


Alex

 

Alex,
I still think about what you got that one for on eBay!
CAP

 

Cap

I have 4 in stock now
But all are display only (no brackets)
I will find a home on boats for them
They are perfect for marine use


Alex

 

1250 Nit... That would blind you! I keep my CF-30 at about 1/3 brightness setting and even lower when surfing at night while watching TV... I will turn it up bright when needed... Brightly lit room or outside... Usually after struggling to read the screen for 5 minutes!

 

Alex, I've got 3 CF-VDL01 displays, they are 1000nit. I'll be selling a couple soon, time to clean out the shop.
CAP

 

Cap... Did you use them on your boat? I was just trying to get a picture of the various uses of these things. Permanent mount screen and the PC is in the keyboard?

 

TB,
Nope, Panasonic made these apparently for a couple of applications. One is you have a keyboard and a display on a vehicle mount very much like what you are used to with the laptop in the trunk or whatever. The other, which makes more sense to me is a similar arrangement with the laptop in a dock connected to the PDKA. This makes sense to me as my permanent carputer is my CF-30 connected to my VDLW07 using wireless. This lets me have all my work stuff available when I'm driving, contacts, mail, etc. When I get to the office or the boat I just grab the laptop and go. I think they didn't really take off because there is really not that much difference between the PDKA and a whole laptop in a dock in the same location.
View attachment Tablet_PDKMA.pdf
Sorry about the picture, just grabbed something handy. PDKA in a LEDco mount.
The display can be used without the keyboard with only slight loss of functionality. The specs on the display, the VDL02 has better resolution and 1200nit brightness.
View attachment CF-VDL01 Manual.pdf
Its a great remote for any Toughbook and it is a Full Rugged Toughbook in itself.
CAP