When picking the right tool for the job.  Differences in construction can make or break the efficiency of how well the job will get done.  Case in point is the differences between a ruggedized Panasonic Toughbook and a Semi-ruggedized Toughbook.  Some examples of a ruggedized laptop would be models like the Panasonic Toughbook CF-30, CF-29, CF-28, CF-27, CF-19, and the CF-18.  These laptops are considered the standard in ruggedized construction
They can withstand heat, cold, vibration, dirt and grime, and even a fall from your desk. Some examples of the semi rugged laptop would be the CF-48, CF-50, CF-51, CF-72 and the CF-52.  These are not built as rugged as the others however they can withstand some minor hardships.
The question is not how much are they?  The question should be which model is best for my application.  Lets face it if you shopped price and found the semirugged unit was cheaper which of course it is and you put that unit into a harsh environment that laptop will fail even though it is a toughbook.  Remember you need the right tool for the job.  You wouldn’t use a hack saw to cut down a 30 foot tree.

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Gateway M285 Tablet Laptop

We found this review about this Tablet Laptop.  The Gateway M285 Tablet Laptop to be exact.  Check out this review.  But if you just want to know the basic idea here is a quotation from that article:

“To some people, tablet PCs are a novelty–good for occasional touch-screen doodling and not much more. For others, especially note-taking students and conference room PowerPoint jockeys, tablets have become indispensable…..”

We found that these laptops not only offer the ease of use of the laptop model with a wide screen but they also offer the tablet feature allowing you to take hand written notes on the run.  The unit is easy to carry when it is folded as a tablet unit.  Sturdy enough to withstand the use as a tablet and has the features you come to expect when using a core duo processor.

These laptops are still available from Bob Johnson’s Computer Stuff at some great pricing.  You can get all the specs and support documentation from Gateways website just use this User Guide link.  If you would like to consider purchasing this laptop try this link to the Gateway M285 Tablet Laptop.

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HP Compaq NC 6230

The HP Compaq nc6230 Notebook PCs offer the smart balance of mobility and performance in a thin, light, stylish design, meant for the professional who needs powerful computing, mobility and enhanced security in a reliable notebook.

Users will appreciate being able to take their office on the road without sacrificing performance, productivity or convenience. With total cost of ownership in mind, IT managers will find the HP Compaq nc6230 notebooks the ideal choice for enterprise-wide deployment to mainstream mobile users.

• Mobility: This thin and light notebook allows users to swap their MultiBay II optical drive with a weight saver, for optimal travel weight. Plan for all-day computing when you add the HP Travel Battery getting up to an additional 4 hours of battery life, and recharge quickly with HP Fast Charge Technology, which recharges the battery up to 90% within 90 minutes. And, with enhanced standby time (up to 1 week), you’ll be mobile and productive for days on end.

• Security: HP ProtectTools provide enhanced security capabilities to help protect against unauthorized access to networks and business critical data and enable IT managers to manage their security solutions in a simple, easy-to-use manner. HP Drivelock helps prevent the data on your hard drive from being compromised even if your notebook is lost or stolen, and an integrated Smart Card Reader and Norton AntiVirus software come standard with this notebook.

• HP Professional Innovations – hardware features and software solutions designed to enhance security, ease of use and reliability.

• Ease of Use: A touchpad scroll zone enables users to seamlessly maneuver through documents or web pages and the ambient light sensor adjusts the display for optimal viewing. This notebook’s convenient ultra-slim Multibay II drive allows you to utilize a variety of devices and is easily ejected using one hand with a soft-touch mechanism. Easily identify, manage and turn on and off your wireless devices using the HP Wireless Assistant, optimizing battery life.

• Reliability: The nc6230 notebook PCs are designed to meet tough business standards and offer reliability and confidence in your computer. The HP Mobile Data Protection System helps protect the hard drive from shock and vibration and helps reduce the risk of data corruption. Combined with scratch-resistant in-mold lamination and the HP Panel Protection System that helps prevent the display from scuffing and scratching, your notebook PC will look newer longer.

• Versatility: Built with versatility, this notebook PC allows customers to choose the features that most appropriately fit their business needs. Meet your demands for graphic-intensive programs by selecting the graphics card best for you. Users also choose the integrated industry standard wireless technologies that work best for them. The versatile, ultra slim MultiBay II drive allows users to swap optical drives with secondary hard drives, for increased storage capacity and data back-ups.

• Connectivity: Wireless connectivity and enhanced battery life help you get connected and be protected wherever your work takes you. This notebook PC’s dual antennas help you work efficiently with a more reliable connection to your network.

Purchase your HP NC6230 today.

New Products from RAM-Mount.com

1.  RAM Ez-On-Off Universal Flex arm mount (perfect for IFR flying or anywhere you want to clamp a flex arm mounting systems for notepads, books, music, cameras, lights, gps, phones, etc.)

2.  RAM Stabilizer leg for any vehicle base mount (included with some models and may be used as an option for added stability)

3.  RAM Ball & Post Base for Motorcycles (unique method to attach a RAM ball to a motorcycle handlebar)

4.  RAM No-Sharp-Edge Equipment Consoles ( 50% lighter, 30% less expensive, no sharp edges)

5.  RAM Cradle for Apple i-Phone 3G’s

6.  RAM Printer Mount for Zebra RW 420

7.  RAM Handi-Case Universal Notepad/Storage Case for just about every industry (carry it, mount it, stow it, throw it, etc )

8.  RAM Seat-Mate Universal seat mount ( use it in cars, planes, trucks, boats, chairs, etc. to mount a wide variety of items including laptops, tablets, netbooks, gps, printers, etc )

9.  RAM provides Garmin with the factory mount included with the 696.

10.  RAM Multi-Pad Universal Busy Life Organizer ( notepad holder for use in cars, planes, trucks, boats, tri-pods, motorcycles, lift trucks, etc. )

11.  RAM Powered Dock For The Symbol MC55, MC5590 & MC5574 Enterprise Digital Assistant.

12.  RAM Cradle for Sporty’s E6B Electronic Flight Computer

13.  RAM Cradle for Lowrance Endura

14.  RAM No-Drill Vehicle Base for Chevy Impala Police:

15.  RAM Antenna Mounts for boats and motorcycles

16.  RAM Cradle for Garmin Dakota GPS

17.  RAM Mount for Raymarine A50 & A70 chartplotters

18.  RAM No-Drill Vehicle Laptop Mount for the Ford Transit Connect

For all your RAM mount needs visit Bob Johnson’s Computer Stuff today.

Achieving Speed – is it more memory or just the basics…..

There is a common myth being perpetrated on us all. And that myth is that adding memory to your computer is going to magically give you all the speed you need. While it is true that adding memory helps with speed, it is not the cure all to end all. With that said this article will not be the cure all to end all either. Rather, Pete Teague, Sales and Marketing Manager at Bob Johnson’s suggests some first step actions that may help improve your computers speed and hopefully saving you some money by not buying memory that  you may not need.

Pete says when you buy a new computer; it has certain factory pre-set defaults and is optimized to run suitably as is. These settings do not account for the software, games and other stuff you may add. As you add or remove such stuff the computer moves further away from these optimal settings. It’s analogous to adding a dishwasher to your house. Think of your water heater as your computer. When you add a dishwasher your water heater now has to provide hot water to it.  Just like your computer when you add stuff to it, that water heater is going to have less capacity to service other things like the shower head. Shut the dishwasher off and your back to having the original volume of hot water for showers – or volume/speed the computer pre-set functions were intended to provide.  Turn the dishwasher back on and oops, less hot water for your showers. It’s the same with your computer; add software and other stuff and the computer is now supporting resources that it originally wasn’t pre-set to support as is. Remove the software and stuff and the computer runs faster (shut the dishwasher off and the water heater provides more hot water for showers). Pretty simple huh? Not really. You see when you shut the dishwasher off the water heater does not know the dishwasher is still there, so it’s not trying to service it. With a computer even after you remove stuff, the computer’s resources are still being used because some form of the removed software is still running in the background. That background support is slowing your computer down. Yes, you can buy a larger water heater to solve the dishwasher/shower capacity problem, just like you can add memory to your computer to solve the speed problem. But here’s the rub: While the water heater’s delivery of hot water is only impacted when you run the dishwasher, your computer is running or supporting some form the removed or old software all the time and that is slowing the computer down.
So with that backdrop: If you want to make your computer faster you can spend money on memory and get some short term gratification. On the other hand, you can do the following first and see if that helps. If you’re a windows user try some basic maintenance (you should do this at least once a month anyway). This includes: Running up to date anti-virus and anti-spyware programs. Emptying your “temp files” and cleaning up your cache, making sure you empty the recycle bin and running the disk defragmenter program, all of these at a minimum. But where do you find the tools to do these things? Chances are your computer has these tools on it already. If not, visit http://www.microsoft.com/athome/moredone/optimize.mspx and follow the instructions – its pretty simple stuff and easy to do. Following these steps will help to optimize your computers performance and most likely save you some money in terms of not buying memory that you probably don’t need. Now, if you’re an Apple user and I’ll admit I am not real familiar with Apple, the steps are probably much the same. I would first do an all around cleanup of the internet logging files. Then do a virus scan and registry check.  If these actions do not help then I suggest you try reinstalling your programs. Who knows, it could be that you really do need more memory but at least you will have made sure all the options to spending your cash were exhausted first.
 You see, at Bob Johnson’s we don’t want to sell you something you might not need. So if speed is your need, try the ideas suggested here first. If that does not satisfy your need contact us at 877-202-7788 or www.bobjohnson.com our techs might have other ideas. Alternatively, we can do the optimization work for you at a nominal cost. Worst case, we’ll sell you some memory but only if that is what you really need – we don’t like to sell stuff that might not be in your or your wallets best interest. (And, oh by the way, a new dishwasher or water heater may not be a bid idea anyway and the money we save you could help pay for it!) Happy computing!

See the original article.

Refurbished Laptops are a Great Value

Refurbished laptops have been around for a long time and will remain so because people everywhere are catching onto the incredible savings.  When refurbished laptops are reconditioned by trained professionals it’s easy to know that you are getting the best mobile computer in the best quality condition.  Since refurbished laptops are not new, but the closest thing to it you can rest assured that it comes with a great warranty and customer service.

Most refurbished laptop resellers offer a 30 to 90 day warranty on all their products.  However Bob Johnson’s Computer Stuff offers a Limited Lifetime warranty on all of their laptops.  In layman terms that means that for the first 30 days the warranty covers parts and labor.  There after they will fix the laptop for the price of the parts for as long as you own one of their laptops.  Even if you drop and crack the screen after 6 months they will fix it for the price of parts.

The need for laptops is almost endless.  In fact statistics show that laptop sales are exceeding desktop sales and is growing even faster.  People like the portability and mobility of a laptop.  With the newer touchscreen tablet laptops things are really moving in laptop sales.  Now you can keep handwritten notes right on your screen and save as documents.

In addition with the really rugged Panasonic Toughbook refurbished laptop you can now own a ruggedized laptop for a small fraction of the new price.  Given that the Toughbook sells brand new for $3000 - $5000 each a $500 refurbished ruggedized laptop really looks appealing.

In conclusion:  Buy a refurbished laptop and you get the speed, system memory, updated software, DVD-R drives, loads of updated technology and cheap prices.  Laptop computers that make this possible by having them refurbished for great savings and value.

The Panasonic Laptop is definitely my favorite laptop.  The Toughbook series of Panasonic Laptops are definitely something to see.  I am building this site because I first and foremost like these laptops.  But more importantly there is a strong need for information on where to find parts and items for the various models at reasonable prices.

I will be continually adding additional pages to this website.  But for the most part we will start out talking about the Panasonic Toughbook CF-48.  This is Panasonic’s semi-rugged model and started out with a Pentium III 600mhz Intel Processor.  Our favorite Panasonic Laptops dealer has them in stock now.  They also carry a number of parts for the CF-48 and other various Toughbook models.

Why would you want a Panasonic Toughbook Laptop?

I get this question all the time.  The reason that this question is even asked is because of a lack of knowledge about laptops in general.  I basically break laptops in general down to 3 categories. 

1. Throw away retailed laptops

2. Corporate grade laptops

3. Rugged built to last laptops

The first category relates to those laptops that they sell in stores like Staples or BestBuy.  These laptops will sell for between 600 and 800 dollars in general.  They include some good specs and have a 1 year warranty.  Some common models are the Dell Inspiron, Compaq Presario, or HP Pavilion.  And needless to say you will get a throwaway laptop that will work for just over the warranty period and after that things will happen.  You throw it away and buy another one.

The next grade of laptops are the Corporate laptops.  These laptops are sold to the corporations which will usually lease them.  These are the laptops that you see on the used laptop dealers websites.  They were built much better and brand new sell between 3000 and 4000 dollars.  They come with a 3 year warranty and include such models as the IBM ThinkPad T series, HP Omnibook series and the Dell Latitude series.  These are not usually for sale in the retail stores and must be purchased brand new from a Value added reseller of computer equipment.

The rugged built laptops are what this website is about.  These laptops are what we will be discussing on this website.  These laptops are built to last and are used in some pretty harsh environments.  I hope that you enjoy and find some good information about these laptops on our website.

Used Laptops are in every sense of the phrase relates to a laptop that has been used by a period of time.  When you look to purchase a laptop that has been used there are many sites that offer used laptops.  Take a look at the links below to see some websites that offer used laptops for sale.

In general all these websites offer laptops that are used.  These laptops typically have been used in the corporate world and have come ‘ off-lease ‘.  Meaning that the company that had leased them, has come to the end of their lease and have returned the units back to the lease company.  The leasing company is not in the laptop business and will typically sell the lot of computers to a wholesale company.  This wholesale company will then mete the lot out into smaller lots and sell to these laptop resellers.

Each of them will offer some sort of warranty.  In general, the warranty will be between 30 and 60 days with an extended labor only warranty thereafter.  When looking for the best deal you need to keep a close eye on the cost of the laptop and the length of the warranty and exactly what is warranted.  In most cases none of the used resellers will offer a warranty on the battery.  If they do usually there is a higher cost on the laptop itself.  Remember a laptop battery is a consumable item and the life of batteries vary greatly.  When buying a used laptop keep in mind to get the best deal on the hardware you are purchasing.  A battery is easily acquired on EBay or on various websites and at a reasonable cost.

Keep in mind that laptops have a very limited upgrade ability.  In other words you can easily upgrade the hard drive and in most cases the memory.  Some things that are too cost prohibitive is the Processor and screen.  Basically you are stuck with what you originally purchase.  So always max out the processor speed and screen size when buying.  Memory cost fluctuates and you can very easily pick up memory to upgrade your laptop at a later time.  Hard drives are the same way.

Should you pick a Dell, IBM, or HP laptop brand?  Well I have found that most people have some past experience that has determined their preference.  I have been asked many times which brand is the best and I basically can only go by the amount of repairs that we get on the various models.  However for the scope of this page suffice it say that I have no particular like or dislike of any model.

Do some models look ‘ cooler ‘ than others?  Again this is a personal opinion.  I have always viewed laptops as a tool.  That is like asking me if some hammers are better looking than others.  Hey if it gets the job done who cares.

In general, as long as your application does not require top of the line, state of art technology (which most people don’t need) a medium priced used laptop may be the budget saving solution for you.  However if you have money to burn go for the brand new ones.  Keep in mind that you get what you pay for in the new laptop business.  The new laptops under $600 are usually junk and you will be taking them to the shop more than you will be using them.  You are better off purchasing a used laptop for that same $600.  You will end up much happier and with a more reliable laptop.

DECIDING TO MOUNT UP!

Now that you have your new Toughbooks and are ready to roll, how are you going to install the laptops in your vehicles? If you already have a mounting system great, if not, there are some things to think about. There is more to selecting a mounting system than first meets the eye and it is not just price! Pete Teague, Sales and Marketing Manager at Bob Johnson’s Computer Stuff recently summarized his four key selection criteria and listed them here. Where in the vehicle you are going to place the mount? Is it in the airbag deployment zone?

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS: This one comes even before cost and budget

• If the answer is yes; make sure the mounting system has rounded contours to avoid airbag puncture.
• Check with your automobile manufacture for airbag disablement procedures if need be. But be careful!
• Inertia comes from many points – is the laptop likely to become a missile during sudden stops etc?
• How many warning labels are on the unit? A lot of manufactures warnings could mean there is more risk.

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION CONSIDERATIONS: Fundamental questions but worthy of thought

• Does the system depend on lighter weight gauge steel at the base to support heavier gauge steel at the top?
• How is the laptop secured? Is it with metal, plastic, wires and at what points?
• Toughbooks are shock and vibration resistant but ask how the mounting system enhances that feature.

Are your needs custom? If so, we suggest you visit the Selection Wizard at www.ram-mount.com for help.

RESTRAINT CONSIDERATIONS: Will the laptop stay where you put it

• How is the laptop secured to the docking station? Does it include front, rear and side restraints?
• Without front restraints will airbag deployment make the laptop a missile?
• How are the restraints housed? Are they an integral part of the docking station? How likely are they to fail?
• What are the restraints made of? Metal, plastic, wire? Plastic and wire may have a lower point of failure.
• How easy is it to remove the laptop from the docking station? It should be painless and as easy as 1, 2, 3.

SECURITY CONSIDERTIONS: There’s a lot of IT investment sitting on that Docking Station

• Is there a key lock on the docking station? Where is the lock positioned – is it easy for you to access?
• Are their bolts or nuts within the entire solution that a thief could easily access and remove?
• Think beyond the docking station –is the rest of the system “thief proof?”

These are some of the top considerations Pete suggests you think about when purchasing a mounting system.  Helping you make the correct decision is important to us at Bob Johnson’s Computer Stuff. That’s why we write these articles and in this case, why we recommend use of the RAM Mount Wizard. Bob Johnson’s Computer Stuff carries the full line of RAM Mount mounting solutions. We have found that RAM Mount products answer the above considerations more than adequately. Check out our selection of mounting solutions at Bob Johnson’s Computer Stuff and see the complete line of RAM Mount solutions for your marine, RV and other applications by visiting RAM Mount.

Real Panasonic Toughbook Experience

I know that we talk alot about the Panasonic Toughbook and how rugged they are built.  I personally use a Panasonic Toughbook CF-51.  The CF-51 is a semi rugged laptop which does not meet all the requirements for a fully rugged version like the CF-29.  However I will say that it is definitely built to withstand the test of sales and the traveling that is involved.  I in fact have to instances where I was glad to have the toughbook.  The first situation was where I actually dropped my laptop in the parking lot while getting into my car.  The other situation was where I spilled coffee on my keyboard.  Of course I do not advise that this be something that you test on your CF-51 or any laptop for that matter.  But in my case both situations were an accident.

When I dropped my laptop in the parking lot.  I had been having a very busy day.  I normally pack up my laptop in my laptop carry case which of course had a zipper that closes the top of the case and encloses the laptop in the slot.  Being distracted I failed to zip the zipper on my case.  I proceeded to sling the case over my shoulder and walked out to my car.  I opened the door and slid the case off my shoulder in which tipped the case to the side letting the laptop slide right out falling approximately 2 feet.  Now my heart sank but I did not have the time to check at that moment.  When I got home I pulled it out and plugged it in.  The end result was that I only had a scrape on the front right corner of the laptop.  No other problems occured.  I counted myself lucky because after all this was considered the semi rugged laptop in the line of Panasonic Toughbooks.  It no where near compared to the CF-29 or CF-19 type laptops.  Or so I thought.

The next situation convinced my of the quality and rugged nature of my Panasonic Toughbook CF-51.  I was working on a Saturday morning answering my emails and cleaning up my paperwork.  Of course, I was drinking coffee.  Accidently I tipped my coffee mug and douced my laptop keyboard with about half a cup of coffee.  I immediately turned the unit off and unplugged it.  I tipped the unit over to drain the liquid.  I thought It was toast at this point and was only hoping that my hard drive could be salvaged.  I dried it up and removed the keyboard looking for the liquid underneath.  To my surprize there was no liquid under the keyboard.  I dried the keyboard out, put the unit back together and crossed my fingers while turning the unit on.  The Panasonic Toughbook CF-51, the unit I considered bulky and ugly (more on that later) fired right up with no indication that I had done anything to affect its well being.

Needless to say I was very relieved.  However the end result of this last event was that I became a true blue believer in the Panasonic Toughbook line of laptops.  I will always carry one when I need laptop.  If I had been using a regular laptop in either of the above situations I would be buying a new laptop both times.  That is too expensive for my tastes.  Given the current economy and how clumsy I am I would be broke in no time.

Bob Johnson
Bob Johnson’s Computer Stuff Inc.