Tough Pads and Laptops

[Cato]

I'm presuming some of you will use them? I will need to get a laptop/notepad for use with the ECU mapping software. I'm thinking of a used or refurbished unit as I have a desktop in the workshop and use a chromebook for everything else. Apple is completely out of the question for a number of reasons, top being I can't stand the bloody things (used them in the past).

So having a nose about on eBay etc throws up stuff like this Panasonic which seems to fit the bill. Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[James1979]

I’ve a CF19 which is with me all day. Has parts PDFs and timekeeping / invoice software on it as well.

Runs windows 10.

Touch screen. You can turn the screen round to make a tablet. A bulky tablet but it’s a tablet.

I prefer a keyboard but I’m a bit old school with tech anyway

3G. WiFi.

Ticks all the boxes I need. Police officers can’t break them so that’s a win

I suppose you pay for the toughness of it. If it’s not likely to be anywhere that’s going to hurt it what about a supermarket cheaply just for your dedicated software?

 

[8ob]

Same here, toughbook cf something for Autodata and to run some of the diagnostics. A bit slow now by modern standards and battery life seems a tad poor, that said it does the job

 

[Cato]

I’ve a CF19 which is with me all day. Has parts PDFs and timekeeping / invoice software on it as well.

Runs windows 10.

Touch screen. You can turn the screen round to make a tablet. A bulky tablet but it’s a tablet.

I prefer a keyboard but I’m a bit old school with tech anyway

3G. WiFi.

Ticks all the boxes I need. Police officers can’t break them so that’s a win

I suppose you pay for the toughness of it. If it’s not likely to be anywhere that’s going to hurt it what about a supermarket cheaply just for your dedicated software?

I did consider just getting a 'normal' laptop, it's not so much about abuse or dropping as I tend to look after things. It's more the dust and/or splashes of tea, oil etc. The Tough type tend to have at least basic IP ratings with little covers over ports so I thought they'd be a better bet for a workshop.

 

[Cato]

Same here, toughbook cf something for Autodata and to run some of the diagnostics. A bit slow now by modern standards and battery life seems a tad poor, that said it does the job

Pretty much the sort of thing I'd be using one for. The touchpad type seem to be a bit more plentiful and either better spec for the same money or slightly cheaper for the same spec. Presumably it's because they're what's coming through now from company upgrade programs and liquidations?

 

[8ob]

Pretty much the sort of thing I'd be using one for. The touchpad type seem to be a bit more plentiful and either better spec for the same money or slightly cheaper for the same spec. Presumably it's because they're what's coming through now from company upgrade programs and liquidations?

I dont use mine online, its only got the software for the diagnostic gear, autodata and all the chainsaw workshop manuals/parts pdf's. Handy being able to take a cd.

Bob

 

[James1979]

I dont use mine online, its only got the software for the diagnostic gear, autodata and all the chainsaw workshop manuals/parts pdf's. Handy being able to take a cd.

Bob

For what it’s worth the cf19 doesn’t have a cd / dvd drive

 

[Robotstar5]

Another to consider is one of the Lenovo thinkpad range, they stand up well to been lugged round the factory for use on PLC's, robots etc. I'd go for a good used one a couple of generations old.

 

[mtt.tr]

Tough books will take a punch better than the puncher

 

[James1979]

Tough books will take a punch better than the puncher

I take it work issue you toughbooks….

 

[mtt.tr]

I take it work issue you toughbooks….

It's been one of those jobs

 

[James1979]

It's been one of those jobs

Soon be over.

 

[tom2207]

using a 31 as we speak , Ive a 19 and three or four 30s
I like toughbooks , but I think a semi rugged will be next , screen res is getting to be the let down these days ,,, prob a 54 next ,,, I just dont do i-anything too fragile and expensive.