The CF-28 Toughbook was an excellent ruggedized laptop for it's time. But since they were produced, technology has leaped forward creating a niche market for a more cost effective computer, with nearly all the options of a modern machine. The new features typically include
- Bluetooth 2.0,
- Internal WiFi A/B/G cards (often with external high-gain antennas),
- Internal GPS receivers,
- large capacity hard drives, and
- DVD/CD Burners.
And to top it all off, they come with new paintjobs!
While all of these extras are great, remember that at the end of the day these are just CF-28 's on the inside. The maximum processor speed is still only a PIII 1Ghz, and the maximum RAM supported is 1 GB. Windows XP will run very slowly, and Vista will barely run at all. Windows 2000 is fine, but no longer supported by Microsoft, and many modern programs won't run on it either. For example, the latest version of Microsoft Streets and Trips navigation software (a typicaly application for a Toughbook) doesn't install on Windows 2000.
In any case, the CF-28 is a great little notebook, a true ruggedized computer, and if you look hard enough you'll be sure to find a deal (prices are going anywhere from $800 to $2000 depending on the options). Take a look here at the latest eBay listings on our site for some of the current options.
