My list.

[toughasnails]

Get a digitizer ...hands down better...http://www.ebay.com/itm/PANASONIC-CF-VD ... 487c3071ac

I agree with Shawn...digitizer is the best. For under $30.00 shipped, that is a steal for that drive,

[Bill_TN]

Ok so if I'm understanding things. I'm looking for a mk3 or up with a digitizer. Also want to get one of those dvd players. Ramm, hdd, carrier, wireless are not an issue for me. I have all that or don't need it. Also if CF-vzsu48 is compatible across all the MK's then Won't be needing a batt either. If these actually test out ok that is.

Oh and just for record. I am the kinda of fella that actually uses the worst of my own stuff for my own equipment. I have no intention of selling my personal machines, so never really care about looks, more about function and meeting MY needs. Give a hang what anyone else thinks about the horse I ride in on, just care that that horse will be able to hang with the big dogs just as long as I want him to.

[Bill_TN]

Alto I would think that I can do my OS installs from usb easier than from disc. Once it boots and is up running the system ought to see what ever dvd burner I hook up to it.

[Shawn]

.... the system ought to see what ever dvd burner I hook up to it.

That's what I thought and tried 2 or 3 different usb DVD drives I had.. They did not work with the CF19. The CF19 is very picky for some reason....Maybe it just would not boot from off brand drives..I can't remember 100% for sure, but I know I ended up buying a real Panasonic drive so I could accomplish what I needed to do.

[toughasnails]

system ought to see what ever dvd burner I hook up to it.

I can tell you the 2 line dvd burner will not work even if you use a Panasonic dvd burner in it.

[Bill_TN]

Won't work with ANY dual layer burner? That means no Blu ray either. Now does that hold true even under linux? I've found that linux tends to be able to do MANY things that microcrap won't.

[toughasnails]

Won't work with ANY dual layer burner? That means no Blu ray either

Don't know , I think the problem is the external case you put it in. If it has 2 lines it will not work.

Now does that hold true even under linux?

Sorry I don't do Linux.

[Shawn]

It has to do with the bios....
I doubt Linux will make any difference as Acronis boot is based on Linux and would not work on off brand DVD drives connected to a CF19...

I even tried a Panasonic drive in an aftermarket case with an external power supply. NO joy.
The Panasonic branded one is the solution.....My CF M34 was the same way.

The BIOS only recognizes certain external drives...

I even tried an OEM Dell setup..definitely not cheap junk...NO joy

[Bill_TN]

I'm not worried about boot up. I'm worried about after boot. If no dual layer capable burner will be useful on this device. Which would be a pitty, because my 74 and my 30 both are able to use home brew burner under Mint. It's what's left of a mad dog branded, plug into the wall for power External hdd enclosure, that I ripped the guts out of and plugged a dvd burner into. Free and so far gets the job done. Still guess in the long run that Panasonic one can't hurt.
Just hurts that it's only a cd burner and a dvd ROM.

[SHEEPMAN!]

The only bottom cover I have is on a CF-28 with a fluky power connector. I don't want to deal with it. BTW it's the one with the 2915 wireless hacked into it by me.

The mystery box included this CF-28 I am typing on now. Along with another CF-28, two mobo's, two full uppers, and a bunch of CDROMs and floppies.