rubber keyboard is very hard to press the butto. is it wrong?

hi bros.

i got one rubber keyboard for cf-29 today.

i have to say that it is REALLY hard to press button on this keyboard.

i have to reduce my speed to 1/20 at least and gain the pressure up 50 times to press down the buttons.

is that normal?? it seems this is wrong copy, because nobody can expect sth stupid like this. you can not type it fast. usually you have to press very very hard to let the characters work.

i will destroy my fingers if i keep going with this one longer.

 

Yes it's normal, this information is easy to find through the CF-29 FAQ.

 

thanks for your reply.

i wonder why can i adapt to this one. arrrrrrr. my finger will be broken with this one soon. my godness

 

i see that my keyboard does not have red F11 keyboard.

is this one an older version of the keyboard? because as far as i know, the right version has red F11 and it is easier to push down.

mine is really hard, i mean REALLY HARd to push down. the seller told me that it is rubber version for CF-29 but it seems he used old version one.

and i can not turn on the light of the keyboard.

 

The F-11 should be red on OEM version... Also... Did it have 3 ribbon cables or two? Are the silicone pads raised way up or on 1-2mm high?

There are several aftermarket makers of this type keyboard... I've seen most if not all....

Most you can get used to... But if you are a fast typer.... You may want the emissive keyboard... More $ but worth it.

 

based on what u said. i see that

1- this one does not have F11 red button, no evidence of that color existed there.

2- i don't open the laptop so i don't know it is 2 or 3 cables.

3- i installed all software for hotkey, but it does not light up -> bull with Ebay toughbook sellers.

4- this keyboard is absolutely crap with me, because i will damage my fingers soon.


Ebay toughbook sellers now i experienced 3 of them, are bad almost, they list what they don't know.

I recommend Toughbook bro here, who is selling what he absolutely understands, not like others, they try to sell what they hear about and they see, but they don't check the items before selling.

 

I had to edit your comments as you are not supposed to try to bypass the fould language filter.... Which I guess we all either do ro want to do at times.


I feel your pain.... But ones man's trash is another man's treasure. See if you can't swap it out. Most marine built toughbooks need that keyboard...Also people who run auto diagnotic want it as it is gas, grease and oil resistant... They are not easy to type on... So if you are a sport writer.... Get another keyboard!

 

thanks bro.

i have found new things.

after installing many things, now the light goes up. when i enter the Bios, i can change the light. with all functions work.

but when enter XP3, only Fn + F3, F12 work, other don't work.

but GPS still is the headache now. i only see GPS registry patch there in Panasonic website, not the driver for the gps, and i even don't know if the gps is installed inside the laptop.

can you tell me why? thank you very much

 

Did the seller say it had GPS?
It likely does not have it.
If you were told it did have it and it does not then you may have a case w/ PayPal/eBay.

Also did the auction state it had a backlit rubber keyboard?

Could you post a link to the auction?
Also your entire model number from the BIOS, or even better put your model number in your signature so it is always handy for us to assist you.

 

here is the auction.
PANASONIC TOUGHBOOK CF-29, GPS /1.5GB/160 HD /CDRW/DVD - eBay (item 150440807802 end time May-10-10 15:50:51 PDT)

1- seller stated it has GPS, but I have no way to see where the GPS is. It absolutely only has the SOFTWARE of GPS, but never show up any device in the computer that it has GPS inside.

2- the model version is: CF-29CTKGZDMBBKB

seller posted it with 1.5gb RAM, but absolutely this version can not get over 1.25gb RAM with the instruction from ToughWiki, this one is 256mb base RAM and the seller only installed 1gb RAM.

3- He said it has rubber backlit keyboard, but the keyboard seems not the OEM version, it is a bad toy to break my fingers rather we can call it a keyboard. I am a strong man, but after some hours working with it, I feel hurt with my fingers much.

Also, the keyboard never work with its Fn function except with F12 now in windows XP3 after I installed many drivers.

I will open the case in Paypal tomorrow and ask for full refund.

If someone remember, I always have troubles with Toughbook sellers since the first day I try to buy this kind of laptop. At least 3 of sellers show me very bad experience with DVDRW, Media bay battery, and now this one

 

You probably know this, but just in case. There is no Panasonic software for the GPS. You cannot see the GPS without a third party program,there are several which have been discussed over and over on this forum. I suggest you do a search for GPS software here and maybe look at some other topics like say keyboards. We say it over and over, you can save yourself a lot of grief by doing a little research before you start buying/breaking things.
CAP

 

The actual Model Number is CF-29CTKGZDM and the factory-issued Configuration is:

Pentium M 1.2GHz (Centrino), 13.3" Transmissive touch screen, 40GB HDD, 256 MB RAM, 56K/LAN, FDD, Intel PRO Wireless LAN, WIN 2000

If it had been a factory-installed GPS the "Z" in the Model Number would have been a B, E, J, K, L, M, N, P or S, depending on other installed options (see Configurator).

BTW: the Panasonic Toughbook Configurator is located here.

 

mmm... how can we understand a keyboard is emissive or simply a rubber one? TB why you talked about 2 or 3 ribbon cable? Is this a way to understand the kb is original or not?
BTW this one is called emissive..is it right?
Toughbook CF-18 CF-19 Backlit Emissive Rubber Keyboard - eBay (item 110534750517 end time May-25-10 09:00:29 PDT)

 

hi, the problem not from me. i did ask the seller many times before bidding, and he stated it has GPS.

but when i receive it, nothing shows up. Trial software, missing driver, non-working GPS Microsoft MAp 2009, less RAM than advertised ad, missing DVD-RW plastic face (naked face) ==> what can u expect more from a seller

i had a Mk4 and want to buy more GPS and DVD RW, but the item actually is much less value than what i expected. The seller just shows up in his history that he has some troubles with driver and missing part.

I am really unlucky with those guys

 

1. 2 ribbon cable rubber keyboards were built for the CF-27 & 28 but will work on the CF-29 though it is a tight fit. Not the best bet... But will work in a pinch

2. Big Daddy has no clue... That is a plain rubber keyboard.. It is not the emissive type. The emissive types are the types that JB007Rules is selling in the BST section. (See pics there)

3. The seller of this laptop has a 95% approval rating... Anything below 99% and you are rolling the dice. And you KNOW you will fall into the 5% who gets the bad, beat up, mis-labeled or just plain wrong stuff.

4. He listed it as having an External Bluetooth Floppy Drive... Yeah.... Show me one of those.

5. Most sellers of Toughbooks on ebay don't have a clue. There are VERY few who specialize in Toughbooks. Out of all of them... I trust maybe 3-4 of them... The rest have NO CLUE and it will be a crap shoot as to what you get. They just list all the possible options in the hope that you misread the auction and think it is included.

And to think my sales are slowing because of idiots like this! It's bad enough the junk SBC units have been dumped onto the market, diluting sales...

It's too bad that people usually only find this place AFTER they find out they have been shafted.

 

Yeah Toughhog, according to Panasonic the emissive keyboard is the one with the flat square plastic keys that is back-lit. The rubber one with the light is known as a back-lit rubber keyboard.

 

I would strongly suggest you file a formal complaint with ebaY™ Resolution Center, as his overall description is a fraud.

Examples:

1.5GB RAM; this is a Mk 1 unit and with Base 256Mb RAM: you cannot reach 1.5Mb total.

GPS: not factory-equipped and you state it has not been "after-the-fact" installed.

2 x USB ports: Mk 1's have only one USB port on the side and a PS/2 port on the rear.

SD memory card slot: on Mk4 and Mk5 CF-29's only; not available on Mk 1's.

You wrote: "missing DVD-RW plastic face (naked face)", but the auction ad says "SLOT LOAD SUPER DVD+/-RW MULTI DRIVE BURNER". If it is a "slot-load" there is no "face plate."

Here is the info on the drive the seller advertised the CF-29 had installed: Mata DVD-RAM UJ846S, alomg with its picture.

Hope this helps.

 

Good eye, I didn't catch the 2 USB and SD reader on first glance. The seller states the "Tested ports" as the ones above, yet how could he have done that with that model?

The guy just listed the specs for a CF-29 MK4or5 thinking they're all the same.

neverlostdata, do your research! Save yourself these headaches. The more you know, the more informed of a decision you can make in a purchase. Had you done your research you would have noticed that this auction does not look right and saved yourself the trouble. This of course does not excuse the seller in any way.
Many of the sellers on eBay (some of them members of this forum) are reputable, and sell terrific products with honest descriptions. There are other sellers who do not. Buying from the bay is like shopping at a flea-market, but online.

Caveat emptor!

Your experience on eBay is unusual. I have had largely good experiences buying there, but I really research my items and pay close attention to the item description and the feedback of the seller. Out of a couple hundred purchases over the years, only two or three have been not as described.

 

Send the thing back for a full refund. Item received not as described.

You're not unlucky, just un-informed. Read up more and eye for another 29 on ebay or better still, get one from the guys here.

 

Agreed.


Neverlostdata, just be sure to list the reasons in your claim of "significantly not as described" as all of the spec differences. I would not mention the GPS as your machine may have that installed. Focus on what is plainly different than what you purchased, 1.25 vs 1.5GB RAM, the 1 vs 2 USB ports, no SD reader, no backlight on the keyboard, no "external bluetooth floppy drive" (whatever that is).

 

I would disagree in the larger picture. This is a very COMMON experience... Albeit, perhaps, not for you. Think of how many people we have helped over the years with Toughbooks that were not as described or not set up as sold. Missing parts, broken parts, etc...

It certainly helps to be studious and to pay attention to the fine print. Also pay CLOSE attention to the feedback rating. I won't deal with ANYONE under 99% as when I do... I always end up being the 1%.... I don't buy from huge sellers where I am just a number as that 1% is a VERY large slice of business... But I don't deal with newbies either...

I've been doing this for over 10 years on ebay and have fallen pray about a dozen times.... Mostly over stupid litle stuff.... But also on some high dollar purchases where a good seller just happened to have a bad time. (Supposedly) I've heard the stories of people dying, being in the hospital and generally, If I get good communication, I work it out.... But I think everyone here knows that, to me, it is the PRINCIPLE of the thing. If I feel I have been wronged... The claws come out...

I'd follow the above advice and ship it back and, if need be, file a claim. Try to work it out with the seller first though as that may be quicker in the long run rather than waiting for arbitration. And don't email Paypal or eBay... CALL them! Your emails get routed to people who have no idea what you are going through until you scream back at them loud enough 3-4 times.

 

You have something there, it IS a much too common experience for far too many.
I am a pretty careful buyer which has probably kept me away from many issues.

Sage advice, you can try to work it out first without eBay/PayPal involvement.
Just be wary, if you read the sellers feedback it seems some of the negatives specifically point to bad resolutions.

 

there are many ideas of bros here. Thank you for all.

I return the item to the seller today. He still shows that he is quite acceptable as he accept to receive the item back and will give me full refund.

however, i have to wait until he gets that junk one back.

Because I am new, even I spend a lot of time to read, but this guy try to sell not only one but 5 of this laptop with the same conditions and listing. I also asked him many times before biddings that it has GPS factory built in, or DVD-RW working well...

finally, i still get shocked with this laptop when it arrived yesterday. Headache.

I don't know what is going on with me, even if I spend a lot of time to ask and try to figure out, but I still meet the sellers who even don't know exactly what they are selling (after i receive the item), but when they reply email, they assure me as they know everything ==>> MAD::::

 

Just remember, Panasonic Toughbook CF-29 factory-installed GPS units are fairly rare, so be sure to ask the seller for the FULL Model Number and check it against the Panasonic Toughbook Configurator to confirm its factory configuration. If the Configurator doesn't show Factory GPS query the seller about the ad posting.

 

If it is the true picture.. You can tell it doesn't have OEM GPS..... Don't buy from sellers that use stock photos either.....

 

And I will modify my comments to say that you actually may not have a GPS. I had not looked at the eBay listing and assumed that, like many before, you did not understand that third party software was required to utilize the GPS. Given that listing, anything is possible.
CAP

 

To neverlostdata, there has been a great deal of advice in this thread and I hope you have benefited from it for your future purchases (trust me, no matter how frustrating this has been, there will be more purchases!) I have just a couple to add and then I will shut up and go back to my corner.

1) While the number of feedbacks is important (especially if there are too few + and too many -), don't be afraid to chance it every now and then. Pay close attention to the auction and ASK QUESTIONS! I have made some spectacular deals from sellers with less than five feedbacks (sometimes it is their first sale!) and have been burned/nearly burned by those with tons. As TB said, the CONTENT of the feedback is very important also.

2) If the seller refuses/is hesitant to provide any of the following, move on to another auction: full model number, pictures of the actual item, clarification of the auction description and what is included, clarification of what is in the pictures, etc. Sometimes you just have to go with that gut feeling, if it feels bad it probably is and vice versa. The longer you do this, the better you will get at knowing which are good and which are not.

3) Remember you always have this (and other) forums to query. You may not always get the answer you want to hear, but trust me, there are few on this forum that won't give an opinion if you ask, and like anywhere else, it doesn't take long to know which you can trust and which need to remain silent bystanders.

For all...I know that we have several stickies that cover very specific items/models and they answer most questions. But has anyone given any thought to having a sticky on subjects like the one discussed in this thread? Many of us have been doing this for far too long and know what to look for in an auction. But each day there are always noobs just getting into the fray. Would it not be just as helpful in giving them good directions in navigating through the world of Ebay/Craigslist/etc? I hate getting burned/screwed/whatever and I would gladly help those just starting to keep from making the same mistakes I did (especially those that can cost a lot of time and money!) Not trying to be anybody's daddy here, but if I had heard some of the advice that has been given in this thread earlier in my days as a buyer, I could have saved myself a lot of grief. What say you?

 

absolutely this thread gives me a lot of useful advices.

thank you so much for everything here. Because I am a very good seller of Infrared cameras PnS and DSLR, and also Windows mobile phones, that's why I usually put my trust in sellers who try to response quite well.


However, the hell starts when I receive the item which is different or totally non-working item. Then I found that some of them even never check the item before shipping => $%#$#$#.

On behalf of a buyer on Ebay, I am not so lucky this year, I got about 90% of all items I bought this year with issues, but last year was very good with very few items not satisfied.


Again, you bros are very enthusiastic here. Thanks a lot

 

There are some seller of toughbook either a whole unit or parts on ebay that have no idea of what they are selling. Like for example the backlit keyboard, some says emmissive chic..et rubber backlit keyboard. What the heck is that? They mixed it up and the poor noob buyer are confuse which of which is the right one and ended up buying the wrong one.


ohlip

 

There are "emissive" Rubber keyboards and "emissive" chiclet keyboards emissive keyboards have the white lights and have the 3 ribbon cables.

The Rubber LED (green) keyboard has 2 ribbon cables these will work on all rugged toughbooks.

The word "emissive" identifies the type of lighting and not the type of keys.

Then there are EL electroluminescent keyboards which some erroneously refer to as emissive keyboards these are used on the CF-28 MK2/3 and also have 3 ribbons. They require AC inverters to power them.

Wow now you see why everyone is so confused?

 

i intend to upgrade to emissive plastic one rather than a rubber one. The reason because I want to type fast in my CF-29, I had real pain with the rubber one I had returned.

 

Good choice! I have the emissive plastic keyboard, and I like it very much. Easy to type on and backlit.

 

yeah, it must be the best for whom don't work in really extreme hard environment.

 

I hear the rubber one is best for really wet, dusty or greasy environments.

 

sure, but they are not in rush of typing at all.

i found that, i never used my laptop under the rain, in the desert, or in a storm.

therefore, i should have a plastic emissive very soon