~Toughbooktalk~

Hello,
I currently own a CF-19 Mk 8, and it has been so far the absolutely the most reliable laptop I have ever owned. It is decked out with 16GB DDR3L 1600MHz RAM, 2TB WD Red SSD, GPS, WWAN. I also have 17W/mK Alphacool thermal pad for the CPU installed. It's operating at its best capacity.

The only frustration is the cramped keyboard (which I am actually getting quite used to) and the fact that it hits 90C rather quickly once I start doing some CAD and put other heavy loads on it. The best part is that it still works reasonably well even at near boiling temperature and I can do work all night (which is probably a horrible thing for my neck and back) on my bed if I am stuck on getting something done.

It is an excellent backup computer and can handle almost all of the things that the primary computer does but with limits.

My current main work laptops are Lenovo W530 and P51. The P51 has been a headache and a half because of its $hitty battery driver and keeps on going to sleep at the worst possible times and I am intending to replace it quickly.

I've been wanting a CF-31 Mk5 for some time now and now that I have a decent offer in hand I am making a serious pro/con list.
1. The i5-5300U core is slower than the CF-19 Mk8's 3610. Why bother with the 31 at all if I have 19?
2. I probably want the webcam/mic upgrade. I can see many available online but is the standard one with mic or just the camera?
3. P51 is way way Wayyyy better performing than CF-31, will CF-31 fit the bill (light CAD, data analysis, Zoom meetings, programming, teaching and etc.)?

Can you guys convince me why I should buy a CF-31 Mk 5 250USD shipped (excellent condition with all port covers there, unlocked, with SSD, battery but no PSU) or not?

As someone who owns 10 different Toughbooks, including a CF-31 Mk4, having both might not be a bad thing. You can see which is best real world. Then sell the other one. Or keep it like the one ring that rules them all. They are happier when they have family.

How do the integrated graphics compare with the 31 Mk5 to say a older 31 with ATI 7750? I think that was the last ATI card that went into toughbooks before the 54 got the business class card into it.

Rich wrote: ↑Sat Aug 20, 2022 8:01 am As someone who owns 10 different Toughbooks, including a CF-31 Mk4, having both might not be a bad thing. You can see which is best real world. Then sell the other one. Or keep it like the one ring that rules them all. They are happier when they have family.

Couldn't agree more. I've got five TBs--29s, 30s and a 31mk4. All have been stellar. But the 31 has saved my bacon more than a few times, especially recently when a particular venue could only accommodate an hdmi hookup. They do love company.

A CF-31 in a dock is awesome. It can power up two screens in addition to its own. I love the CF-19 when space is an issue, but still need ruggedness.