Posted: 10/29/2004 10:16:57 AM EDT
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It's time for a new portable computer for me, and I'm considering the Toughbook based on the notion that it seems purpose-built to withstand the kind of abuse I routinely put my stuff through. Since I'll be taking it to a "hostile environment" regularly, I thought buying one designed for that was smart. Any input? |
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Which model? I used one for a few days a year ago, so I probably can't comment on the exact model you're considering. However, unelss lots of stuff has changed at Panasonic's design and manufacturing, they seem like great machines. The build quality on the one I used was great. It felt substantial. I didn't abuse it very much, however. If I needed a rugged computer, I would get one from Panasonic from my experience with them. Edit: Also because seemingly every other rugged computer maker charges out the nose. |
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I have three of them in my department. All have the touchscreens. We use them with our Faro Arms to check parts with. My people are not too gentle with them either. Good computers. I think I'm going to upgrade the memory in the next few weeks. Should really help the speed I think. |
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Just sold a CF-71 a little while ago on ebay. P3 600 MHz with upgraded 30Gb HDD (still shock-mounted) and a DVD-ROM (external). Try ebay. Great deals all around (I made money while still selling it at $590 + more on accessories like a case and the DVD-ROM). Very nice computers. Basically these are the least rugged of "ruggedized" labtops, but they will still handle most abuse. The most rugged standard-production labtops are Arbor-Lynx. They will stop a .38 in the back of the screen and the screen will keep working! (And they are still light). Amrel makes a good machine (sort of in between Panasonic and Arbor-Lynx). Water-tight unlike the Panasonic, not the same kind of impact protection as Arbor-Lynx. Let me tell you this though, most laptops that are not dropped die of 1) vibration 2) overheating. Vibration harms the moving parts and also reduces heatsink effectiveness in addition to slowly stripping the screws. Overheating is generally the chronic result of blocking air intakes. The ruggedized laptops don't have air intakes and instead radiate from the chassis, meaning they can't sink as many BTU's. Soooo, they are a little slower or use a much smaller die size. Even the panasonic has good vibe protection. If you let me know the major threats you are trying to protect the computer against, I can give you a more accurate recommendation. |
| We use the cf28 as a MDT in our RMPs. Lot of gear stripped out and locked up in the port replicator. Control panel is locked out so we cant make changes or delete the OS. Otherwise coated with coffee and jelly drippings but still worked. Talk to me next month after I upgrade one I got off ebay. |