~Toughbooktalk~

My main models that get used the most are CF-31 i5/ATI7750 Windows 10, CF-19 Mk5 Air Combat Command model with windows 7 and Mk6 with windows 10 that is beat to hell I got off ebay last year.

Models that are close to hand but don't get used daily are CF-30 Mk2 Non-Touch with windows 7 that is used for OBD stuff and has my current Holley Terminator X software on it and my old faithful CF-29 Mk3 That early last year was reloaded with factory XP install on the factory 40gb HD but has my older Holley tuning software for my 4Di unit and Commander 950.

Older models sadly collecting dust are several CF-28's, CF-25, CF-17, CF-M34 Mk3,5,7 and CF-07. After dad passed away I have been slowly going though all his stuff in the shed and have made a work space in his shed next to the re-loading equipment.

I regularly use the CF-31 I got through Morgan: a MK3 with webcam. For the few times that I go to the office, I slap it in a dock and it powers up two additional screens for a pretty usable office system. It follows me around wherever I go.

I got another CF-31 in the living room that I gave to the wife. It's plugged into the TV and was useful for her to teach classes with Zoom when schools were shut down.

I have another MK4 with which I want to try and install AlmaLinux on. Just need to buy an SSD. I'll probably post about that experience.

I stopped tinkering with the CF29s, 19s and 30s.

FZ-55C - touch model is my main workhorse with 2 batteries = 30 hours run time or so + AMD DVD slot GPU. I also have an FZ-A3 to play with and a shiny new FZ-G2 with keyboard + a shiny new CF-33 MK2 with keyboard. I've taken on more roles here at Rugged Depot as a product R-n-D guy as well!

The FZ-55 MK2's are FINALLY landing as well and they have Thunderbolt on them!

There is something SUPER exciding coming later this year as well but I can't legally share what it is... But I've seen it and I can tell you it's FULLY rugged and it may or may not be a direct replacement for the poor discontinued (yet loved) CF-31!

Thanks!

I always seem to have at least one CF-19 on hand. My favorite was a MK5 Air Combat Command I probably got from the same seller as Ador did. I eventually used that to build up a MK6. I don't remember now what the real differences are between the MK5 and MK6. I have both sitting here right now. The MK6 has a slightly faster processor, and ambient light sensor. It might have a brighter screen too.

I sorta still have my MK1, the Orange Beastie. It is currently being borrowed, but on it's way back soon. Everyone loved it over on NBR, it was my avatar for the whole time I was on NBR. If I can find that picture, I will likely use it again here.

I also have a really nice CF-31. This is the machine that I am poking at with the intent for it to become my daily use laptop, and maybe even replace my aging 2012 MacBook Pro 13".

Rob, How are "strong" are the new graphics in the 55?

Glad to hear they have a new fully rugged coming out, I personally didn't like the 20 series. Wish they would of stuck with something like the 19 even it had to become a wide screen.

Will post GPU results on Monday. I have all the tests!!

My daily driver is a cf-31 mk4, which I've upgraded as far as I can--16g of RAM, 1 tb ssd, Tecrotech webcam, etc. . . Love it. Still use my cf30 from time to time (Windows 7), but after the 31 it seems mighty slow. Still, it was great to have it around while dealing with a recent software problem on the 31. On the lookout now for a 31 mk6 (7300, or elusive 7600), though maybe I should wait given what Rob says about the new fully rugged machine that's on the horizon.

For now, I'm stuck on CF-31 MK4. Like Stewboy, I've bumped RAM to 16 GB, 1TB SSD, and Tecrotech webcam. This is a hard laptop to beat! I've debated getting MK6, but I would have to sacrifice PC Card reader, and ExpressCard reader. So no MK6 for me.

I've also been looking at FZ-55, but the drop rating is only 36" (half the height the CF-31 drop rating of 72"). I like the comfort of knowing that if the CF-31 gets knocked off of the 43" high bar where I use it, it would survive. But thinner design, wider screen aspect, webcam being standard, newer processor and modular design is nice too.

CF-54 would be nice for faster processor, and wider screen. But neither CF-31 nor CF-54 have new enough processors to "officially" run Windows 11. I can't see buying new laptop that will be officially unsupported in 4 years. I might as well buy a disposable (ie: poorly made) computer as buy one that will last longer than the operating system support. So currently, as much as I like looking at newer Panasonic offerings, I just can't justify a newer one for my use.....yet.

I have tested ALL mark CF-31st and MK4 and above appears to run win 11 just fine FYI!! drivers good too! Anything mk1-3 won't even install, ain't happening!! Test was all 16GB ram and SSD! What it boils down to is UEFI support. If a Toughbook does not support UEFI that it will not run Windows 11 based on my testing!

And I would not even waste your time trying to find an i7 Mark 6 because the i7 is only 2% better than the I5. The proof is in the pudding:

https://cpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/I ... 5vsm220838

I have 3 CF-29, CF-30, CF-31 and a D1. Thanks to members here who helped me get these fine machines.