Date:         Tue, 27 Nov 2007 18:48:09 -0800
Reply-To:     rpc <populuxe59@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         rpc <populuxe59@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      VLC: Panasonic Toughbook?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

WOW, if you can get them for $100 that's a deal!
  The company I work for has hundreds installed in our service vehicles.  We are always reminded they cost about $5,000 each after software licenses and the expense our IT department charges to set it up. They get sold off for about $800 when they are 3 years old--and all the software including windows is removed.

  The only problem I have is the screen is coated with an anti-glare treatment. This coating works great in the sun shine. But if you allow it to be abraded or "cleaned off" you will be sorry.  If you don't use in bright light this may not matter to you. If you do use it in sun light it's very important. Ours are touch screens.  Also have built in wireless, CD/DVD.
  They take a long time to boot up if they get cold, like below 20 degrees.
  No idea what model I've been using for 2 years--but no rubber keys.  This hasn't been a problem for us.   I am careful with this, but it has been dropped and bounced around the truck a few times.
  If you really need it, these hardened note-book computers have come a long, long way in 15 years, so if you can scoop one up for a couple hundred bucks, great.

  FYI; Because they are used out doors, some get stolen. Beware of that when buying off e-bay.

  Good luck,
  Chris C 90 MV

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  On Nov 27, 2007 6:07 PM, neil N <musomuso@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi all.
> Am considering upgrading my workshop PC to a laptop. And hopefully
I'll get
> ETKA for it too. Plus it might be handy for travel, and for when I
get
> a 2.0VW I4 in my Westy.
>
> Anyone used these laptops?
>
> Like? Dislike?
>
> I understand they're quite durable and depending on the model, can
handle
> water and other abuses. I don't need speed, just need it for Gmail,
ETKA and
> possibly for VW OBD software.
>
> TIA,
>
> Neil.
>