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Thinking of getting a CF-31 or CF-C2, thoughts?

Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2014 3:30 pm
by Tactmedic
So I like my current CF-30 Mk1 but I crave something faster..

I was at the hospital and checked out a CF-C2 and it looks like a "regular" laptop but did seem stronger, and I like how you can flip the cover... very nice...

The CF-31 is much like its older brother and I feel comfortable with it so maybe this might be an option for me. The prices are not much different but I am looking for more affordable versions of these ToughBooks (maybe Mk-1s?). what are your thoughts guys???

Re: Thinking of getting a CF-31 or CF-C2, thoughts?

Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2014 3:36 pm
by Toughbook
Personally... If your CF-30 is in good shape I would keep it! I was surprised that my CF-31 at 2.53GHz was SOOOO much faster than my CF-30. Perhaps in some instances it is. But day-to-day... I just don't see it for 95% of what I do. Web surfing, web based work stuff, MS Office stuff, Photoshop work, etc.

Load your CF-30 with a nice Samsung 840 Pro 250GB SSD and max out the RAM with a matched pair. Then tweak it using Les Tokar's SSD Guide. (Google it!) With W7 it is screaming fast!

Invest the $2k that you would have spent into something that will give you a return or something else you REALLY need!

Re: Thinking of getting a CF-31 or CF-C2, thoughts?

Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2014 3:50 pm
by Springfield
I have a C1, which is similar to a C2 although the C2 has a stronger swivel hinge design. I've used it for casual travel and visiting family. It is definitely stronger than a plastic laptop but no where near as rugged - or heavy - as a 31. If I used Skype the built-in webcam would be handy. Dual batteries allow it to be used indefinitely (with a few spares and external charger). It doesn't have DVD so something like an S10 is better for longer flights.

My favorite combination of rugged and performance is the CF-53. I have a Mk1 with SSD and 8GB ram that boots in ~15 seconds and is bright for true daylight use if needed. Got mine for less than most C2's go for on eBay. Touchscreen and emissive backlit keyboard too. Newer 52's with i5 processor are said to be nice and fast also and have a slightly larger display. Maybe someone with a new 52 can comment on that.

Re: Thinking of getting a CF-31 or CF-C2, thoughts?

Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2014 6:25 pm
by safn1949
I just sold a CF-52mk3 i5 and it was nice,bright screen and with a new 240gb ssd it ran good. I have another one here I might take the time to fool around with. A CF-52mk2 wuxga with a 2.4 is no slouch either,got a brand new one here with a 240 ssd in it now.

Re: Thinking of getting a CF-31 or CF-C2, thoughts?

Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2014 6:36 pm
by Shawn
I have a CF52G mk2 as my daily driver at home.
CF52 is semi rugged with a 15.4" wide screen.
CF52GUN is the same but has a 13.3" screen with touchscreen
I got it from Sadlmkr with 100 hours or less ( If I recall correctly). It now has over 7000 hours. THANKS Jeff :clapping:
I had to do some initial repairs, but after that it has been fantastic.
I added a used 300gb Intel SSD. ( got a great deal on fleabay)
I modded in a backlit keyboard and a Bluray player/ DL DVD burner.
Upped the WLAN to an Intel 5300 with the third antenna. (flag style)
The mk2 CF52 and mk2 CF30 are Core 2 Duo. It is a decent step up from the Core Duo in the mk1's

Re: Thinking of getting a CF-31 or CF-C2, thoughts?

Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2014 8:28 pm
by ADOR
I have been wanting a 31 myself for a while, but as Toughbook said I stood back and looked at the need vs want. I still plan on getting one, but waiting for them to come down in price. Right now I don't even have a "i" version cpu laptop the best ones I have are core 2 duo and they just keep on trucking.

Re: Thinking of getting a CF-31 or CF-C2, thoughts?

Posted: Sat Aug 30, 2014 11:34 am
by Toughbook
Again... Max out the RAM and get an SSD and the whole "i" thing is much less important... I can really see no different between the 2.2GHz CF-52 I built my Mom with an SSD and my wife's newer CF-53 with the i5 processor... But then perhaps I am not maxing out the processor in the way they were intended on being used either way. But then 95% of people aren't either...

Re: Thinking of getting a CF-31 or CF-C2, thoughts?

Posted: Sat Aug 30, 2014 12:01 pm
by Tactmedic
Thanks guys for the input! I will keep my 30 for now unless something pops up that is affordable. I am always looking on ebay and craigslist for something nearby. Every so often good deal pops up. I already have an SSD installed and 3GB of ram only issue is my OS (I have 64bit Win7U, and it hickups) I will most prob re-install with 32bit (the DVD said it was 32Bit but the install was 64, ughhhh). once I get that worked out I will check the Les SSD drive tutorial. Thanks again guys..

Re: Thinking of getting a CF-31 or CF-C2, thoughts?

Posted: Sat Aug 30, 2014 3:05 pm
by Toughbook
Load 32bit W7 and get 4GB of matched ram... THEN do Les Tokar's guide...

Re: Thinking of getting a CF-31 or CF-C2, thoughts?

Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2014 12:34 pm
by Rob
I'm available via phone if you wanna very close comparison.

Thanks!