Toughbook N00b requesting advice

[kadetklapp]

I'm shopping for a used Toughbook. My experience is limited to what I use at work in our squad cars, which are CF-28s and -29s. One is touch screen, one is touchscreen/rubber backlit KB, and one is touchscreen regular KB. I would like to get one with a backlit KB, but I'd like to be water proof. The touch screen is a MUST have. In looking around eBay, I'm finding some OK deals on units with few cosmetic flaws, but no HD, no OS, no battery, etc. Some are a little more and have some accessories like WiFi, GPS, etc.

Basically what I need to know is if it's worth buying a TB that doesn't have an OS and buying that separately, or if I should find a package deal. Also, I want something that will reliably run Windows XP without breaking a sweat and run some ham radio software/programs. I'd like something with more than one USB, a slot for an SD, and whatnot.

Also, which Mhz should I be looking for? This has me a bit lost.

[toughasnails]

Try to get one complete. The OS is no problem because the restore disk will cost you $20.00-$35.00 . Look for a MK4 or mk5...this will give you the sd reader. Prices $350.00 +. If you look at one that has no cd, caddy, battery and hdd it will be cheaper but this stuff will cost you
$100.00 caddy
$50.00 HDD
$80.00 CD/ROM
$50.00 Battery
$100.00+ Emissive Keyboard - the best one
$80.00 Rubber keyboard

[kadetklapp]

Thanks a bunch. Mk4 and Mk5. How do I tell this difference? Model number?

[kadetklapp]

What about a CF-18? Would these be decent for the same uses?

[toughasnails]

Thanks a bunch. Mk4 and Mk5. How do I tell this difference? Model number?

MK1 = 29C, 29D
MK2 = 29E, 29F
MK3 = 29H, 29J
MK4 = 29L, 29M
MK5 = 29N, 29P

If you read the first page of the FAQ you will learn a lot. The CF-29 F.A.Q. - Read me before posting

When buying one that you have to add all the extra's you really don't know what you are getting as in....working touch is the big thing. Mine is a MK5 1.6 MHz and it works great. I have about $475.00 into it.

[capt.dogfish]

What about a CF-18? Would these be decent for the same uses?

Yes it will do all you want it to. Check the size, the CF-18s and 19s are a lot smaller than people think before they have seen one. That said,they are also very nice computers.
CAP

[kadetklapp]

I'm not too worried about overall size so long as it's not impossible to type on/see. I checked otu the FAQ on the 29, but I didn't really learn what differences there are between the CF28 and 29.

Are the chicklet keyboards waterproof/resistant, or are just the rubber ones?

My price range is limited to about $300. If I find a CF19 for that price would it be too good to be true?

[Sadlmkr]

1. The keyboard is a separate unit and isolated to a point (no total submersion for a week) from the innards of the unit. I read where folks cleaned their keyboards in a dishwasher. Just commenting not recommending.
2. From my wife.....she likes the feel of the 29 since she was taught touch typing in high school.
3. CF-29 Mark 4 and 5 are 1.6Ghz. You can add more than enough ram for XP. 512 +1 gig. There are two exceptions that I doubt you will find and 1 (the 256 ram) is non-touch from the factory. Look at the different models in the Panasonic Toughbook Configurator discontinued model section for particulars on a unit you are interested in.
4. CF 18/19 No comment I have never seen one.

Jeff

[TopCop1988]

I'm shopping for a used Toughbook. My experience is limited to what I use at work in our squad cars, which are CF-28s and -29s. One is touch screen, one is touchscreen/rubber backlit KB, and one is touchscreen regular KB. I would like to get one with a backlit KB, but I'd like to be water proof. The touch screen is a MUST have. In looking around eBay, I'm finding some OK deals on units with few cosmetic flaws, but no HD, no OS, no battery, etc. Some are a little more and have some accessories like WiFi, GPS, etc.

Basically what I need to know is if it's worth buying a TB that doesn't have an OS and buying that separately, or if I should find a package deal. Also, I want something that will reliably run Windows XP without breaking a sweat and run some ham radio software/programs. I'd like something with more than one USB, a slot for an SD, and whatnot.

Also, which Mhz should I be looking for? This has me a bit lost.

Here's a 1.6GHz Mk5 Touch Screen unit that has had its hard drive uograded:

Panasonic ToughBook CF-29 1.6GHz/new120/CDRW/DVD/WIFI

Get an emissive backlit keyboard from Rob (JB007Rules) and you're good to go.

[toughasnails]

Here's a 1.6GHz Mk5 Touch Screen unit that has had its hard drive uograded:

Panasonic ToughBook CF-29 1.6GHz/new120/CDRW/DVD/WIFI

Get an emissive backlit keyboard from Rob (JB007Rules) and you're good to go.

Good price but the touchscreen not working