The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
pends on what you want it to do for you - Do you need Touchscreen, WIFI, GPS, Fully rugged, Semi Rugged. Smaller Larger, Minimum RAM you will need just to name a few - also the most important is what is your budget ? Need to look at the main three types
CF-M34 is a very small but versatile unit if you need a very small one. Limited in RAM and processor though.
CF-28& 29 is the bread and butter of the fully rugged TB line - lot of them that are in good shape floating around in surplus - just need to decide what bells and whistles you want. The 29 will be considerably more expensive as it is newer
CF-72 & 73 are the semi rugged line - lot of 72 for cheap and 73's are pricey but deals are out their.
There are many good deals on ebay for cf-28's and cf-29's it all depends on what you are looking for like mega man explained.
List a few things you want in a toughbook and then maybe we can lead you in the right path.
List things like:
1. Processor Speed you would like
2. Ram needed
3. Is Tough screen needed
4. Any options like
1.Wifi (WLAN)
2.GPS
3.WWAN (cellular network)
4.Do you want a back lit keyboard for working in the dark
5. Is weight and issue?
6. And what are you planning to do with your toughbook
I would also suggest sending "toughbook" a PM, he could help you - he builds them and very good ones at that - He is a moderator so just search him and send him a PM
1. Not a lot, 2.0 ghz is fine
2. 1GB is fine
3. Nah
4. Just WiFi
5. I don't want it to go over 4 lbs.
6. Nothing major, just surf the web, type up papers, listen to music and watch a DVD once in a while
I used to have a Toughbook Let's Note CF-W2
It only had a 1.1 ghz processer, but for you use, and with xp it will seem really fast.
You can still find these models used.
You have narrowed down the choices to less that 5% of the laptops available with the weight restriction.
The real problem is in your target budget as Panasonic has quite a good selection of lightweights available.
Unfortunately the current Panasonic lightweights are not within your budget
The 7 series is being replaced by the 8 series.
You can maybe find a deal on a closeout/discontinued/display model 7 series at the top of your budget.
I bought my w2 series for $1400 2 years ago from London drugs in Canada
The price was originally over $2000 but it was being replaced by the 4 series.
There are too many to mention...each of the models has various configurations. To get an idea of what you might like, look at
Toughbook Exchange and they are a bit pricey but they are certified refurbished which you can add up to a 3 year additional warrantee.
How rugged are you wanting to go? That will also factor in what model you want. Because if you want something you can use in the rain, it won't be 2GHz, and be in your price range.
I think the CF-52 is a pretty good unit for that then. Largest screen you can get in a Toughbook, has the right processor speed, and it's in your price range.
If it's too expensive, try looking at the CF-51, which will have a slower processor (You won't find 2GHz), but the price is less than a third of the 52's.
The CF-73 and CF-74 might also be up your alley. Those are the four that will get you close to your specs, and be in your price range.
Theres a few smoking deals on ebay right now on CF-29s. I just ordered one with wireless LAN and GPS for $450 shipped and it was complete with hard drive and battery
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.
