Thread: Ex ADF Toughbook CF-18 wireless question

Hi Fraser

I know nothing of the ADF ones but would assume spec is similiar to the civilian model (for wifi anyway). Details here: Learn about Panasonic's TOUGHBOOK-18

This indicates built in a/b/g on an Intel chipset.

Thanks Cam, but I'm interested in thw WWAN card, meaning the 3g HSDPA module, which can be of several types and may or may not work with Optus, Telstra etc....

Cheers,
Fraser

Hi Fraser

How did you go with the Panasonic Toughbook - did you end up getting one?

I am currently looking at a few but know zero about wi-fi systems so would be interested in learning from your experience.

I am looking for one to use with Oziexplorer and also wi-fi capable for when travelling.

TIA

Unfortunatley, all the sellers were in sydney, and never told me what type of internal card it was, so I never bought one.
I already have a CF-18 with no WWAN (read 3G), I recon it's an ideal machine for what you want I love mine to death, I am running Win7 on mine, and it is rock-solid reliable.
My daughter spilt Coke over my keyboard one, and I took the laptop into the shower and rinsed it all out!!!
I might still get one of the ones with the internal HSDPA card just to find out which frequencies it works on, and If it doesn't work with Telstra, then just use it as spares for mine.

Fraser

Cheers for the info. I've been looking at the toughbooks, and have been leaning towards a fully rigged 18 as a mobile/camping rig.

Thanks for responding so promptly Fraser. I'm not sure if your IT understanding is up to answering the following but if it is, I would appreciate your thoughts.

I am presently considering two CF-18 Toughbooks the only differerence betwen them appears to be with the length of warranty, size of HDD and the graphic controller. One has Intel® 915GM/CMS,910GML graphic controller, UMA up to 128MB, 1024 x 768 and the other one has Intel® 82852/82855 GM/GME graphic controller, UMA up to 64MB, 1024x768. Would one of these be better than the other for running Oziexplorer or wouldn't it matter?

Both have Intel® PRO/Wireless 2915ABG network connection 802.11a/b/g - Is this what I need for connecting to Wi-Fi networks (where available) while travelling? I'm not interested in connecting through the phone (3G ??) network.

TIA

Originally Posted by Xtreme

Thanks for responding so promptly Fraser. I'm not sure if your IT understanding is up to answering the following but if it is, I would appreciate your thoughts.

I am presently considering two CF-18 Toughbooks the only differerence betwen them appears to be with the length of warranty, size of HDD and the graphic controller. One has Intel® 915GM/CMS,910GML graphic controller, UMA up to 128MB, 1024 x 768 and the other one has Intel® 82852/82855 GM/GME graphic controller, UMA up to 64MB, 1024x768. Would one of these be better than the other for running Oziexplorer or wouldn't it matter?

Both have Intel® PRO/Wireless 2915ABG network connection 802.11a/b/g - Is this what I need for connecting to Wi-Fi networks (where available) while travelling? I'm not interested in connecting through the phone (3G ??) network.

TIA

Where are you looking at getting them from, do you have links to the actual sellers? The main thing to get is the complete model number, as it shows all the options as sold by Panasonic.
IF the above info is correct the 915GM/CMS,910GML would be better, but I thought that all 18's had the same video chipset.....Bottom line, it won't really matter.
Mine is a Mk3, and would have no problem running Ozi etc, however, I wouldn't recomend the inbuilt GPS, as it is old tech, and not very sensitive, I'd get (or make sure the CF-18 has) bluetooth, and use a bluetooth GPS receiver mounted on the dash(or somewhere else with clear view of the sky).
Be aware that all of the "Digitiser" (Pen, not touchscreen) do not have Serial ports, only USB.
Just buy a 12v laptop power supply, and you will be ready to go!

Intel® PRO/Wireless 2915ABG network connection 802.11a/b/g - yes this will work at Mcdonalds, cafe's etc......

I do love the CF-18, but think I will soon buy a CF-19 from the good 'ol USofA

Most defence computers (read all of them) have had the wireless connectivity permanently disabled. It is a significant security risk.