~Toughbooktalk~

I found a CF-52 on eBay here: http://cgi.ebay.com/Panasonic-Toughbook ... 7C294%3A50

What do you all think? It's $1369... I'm trying to convince buddy 2/4 to switch to Toughbooks . We're going to go to ABT on Saturday to look at the thing to get an idea and go from there.

Thanks!

Its a real nice unit
Only new model that I don't have lol
Probably easy to get a newbie Toughbook guy interested in this as the screen resolution is what people expect as the standard 4 to 3 size on the normal models for internet use takes a bit to get used to

Alex

Rob, I recently snagged both a CF-52 and a CF-74. Both are the 1.83 models and both now have 4GB RAM. I loaded Vista Ultimate in the 52 and XP Pro SP3 in the 74. Gotta say, I love the 52 and have it hooked to a 18.5 LCD that I picked up new from TigerDirect for $79! Mucho fast and great resolution.

Having said that, would your friend be interested in a CF-50? I have two that are identical with 1.66 processors, 1GB RAM, Smart Card reader, perfect screens, great cosmetics. I was using one for my desktop cpu until I got the 52. I would have to check, but I think I changed both out to 160GB HDD (5200 rpm). One has Vista Ultimate (no COA) and the other has XP Pro. Both units have an XP Pro COA. I will sell either one for $375 including power supply and shipping. If he might be interested just let me know and I can send pics if necessary.

Robert

Robert, he wouldn't want a CF-50... I talked to him about this (and the CF-51)... he likes the idea of a 15.4" widescreen and a handle.

Also on the config.toughbook.com website they show three different screen sizes... 13.3"?!?!?!??!?!?!

There are only two different sizes, the 15.4 and the 13.3. The 15.4 comes in two types along with two different video cards. Check the Panny site for the exact specs. The 13.3 is the same touch that comes in the 29 and is new for this year. It also has two red LED's to illuminate the keyboard. There are several 52's on eBay now, I would also check on Craigslist as there have been several on there also. I got mine recently off eBay and I paid $610 for it! It is in perfect shape and like I said, it now has 4GB RAM and I use it for my cpu.

I've looked and looked for the 13.3" CF-52 (as my buddy is interested in that but doesn't wanna spend $2400 to get a new one)... any idea where I can get one for around $1400 or so?

We're going to ABT electronics tomorrow morning to look at the CF-52 and compare it to mine.

Rob, good luck on finding a 52 with the 13.3. It is new for this year and I have yet to see one on eBay, Craigslist or any other online service. I do not know where you could find one other than one of the regular Toughbook retailers. Plus, I have not heard anything on availability or lack thereof. If you can at least find someone who has one in stock, that would be a big plus.

Thanks Robert. We just pulled the trigger about 1 minute ago on the CF-52 that I posted in this thread for $1369 from eBay. I will take pictures of it for you guys and will let you know when it comes in.

I talked to him about the emissive backlit keyboard. He would like it... I told him $150 - $175 is the price range generally. Do you guys know if the one for the CF-29/30 would work on the 52?? He would also like to consider a multimedia bay battery. I have been unable to find these though.

He's probably going to register on these forums later as well. (His name is Dan)

Thanks again!!!

As best I can tell the 29 keyboard will not work. The mounting tabs on the front of the 29 keyboard do not go into the holes on the 52. Plus, after I plugged it in the keyboard did not light and the F12 key did not have an effect. I did not check the bios, but I do not think there is anything there to allow for the lighted keyboard. Would have been nice to get it to work.

F12 - You mean function F12 right - for the light...