lots-of-laptops.com

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.

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.

Toughbooks, the Marine of Laptops

The United States Marine Corps’ core values are honor, courage and commitment. These are not just words. They are are a reflection of what the Marines are. What does that have to do with Toughbooks? Simple, like the Marines, Toughbooks

are characterized by performance and resilience in action - and that is regardless of the situation or harsh environment they are subjected to. There is no question, there is no hesitation, just performance and excellence. In a word, both are dependable.

Toughbook laptops are deployed in police cruisers, ambulances, on battle fields, ships, boats and just about any other harsh or unforgiving environment one can think of. At Bob Johnson’s Computer Stuff, Inc., we have sold thousands of refurbished Toughbooks to police, EMS and other mobile workers across the US, Canada, The Virgin Islands and to our troops in Iraq. The operative word in that sentence is refurbished. It’s operative because it’s what we do, it’s how we save customers money, it’s how we support Green, it’s because when traditional laptops are worn out or fail, with a little cleaning and up-dating, a Toughbook just keeps on going.

For police, the Toughbook laptop is a key tool in both their rapid response and day-to-day work. When it comes to providing wireless, real-time and reliable connection to data supporting the policing function, these laptops are invaluable. For others, such as EMTs, these laptops provide remote access to the medical data, treatment procedures and two way communication with hospitals. When it comes working outdoors, Toughbooks can be counted on to withstand the rigors of extreme temperatures, weather changes, using complex programs and even being dropped, tossed and worse.

Supporting all of this is (particularly communications), is the decision by the Frederick, MD Police Department to purchase Toughbooks as a key remote communication tool. To gain a better appreciation, we suggest your read an article by Erica Green of the Gazette.net This article discusses the Frederick, MD Police Department’s choice of Toughbooks for use in their cruisers. You can read that article at http://www.gazette.net/stories/02262009/frednew16132_32470 “rugged laptops rapidly access info (The Gazette, Feb. 26, 2009) - The Frederick Police Department is using rugged laptops in its squad cars to provide officers with easy access to police databases. This article provides a clear and compelling case for the Toughbook along with insight into how this police department is maximizing technology. We at Bob Johnson’s not only agree with their selection, we believe that when lives are at stake and seconds count, dependable communication is paramount. Thus, there is no other mobile technology tool to depend on – it’s simply a Toughbook.

At Bob Johnson’s, we help police and other mission critical cost conscience mobile organizations afford investments in technology. We do this through reconditioning Thoughbooks (and traditional laptops / desktops) for resale at up to 80% of the cost of new equipment - and we provide a warranty on what we sell. We also offer priced and timed right repairs in addition to asset management programs. Our repair programs often offer an affordable alternative to replacing broken computers. Our asset management programs provide a cash inflow for organizations – thus helping them stretch their budget dollars and grant funding. Everyone wins in that program. The organization receives cash to help with budgets, it properly disposes of equipment storing sensitive data, and we gain product to refurbish and re-sell. In the entire process, other customers are afforded savings opportunities while the process itself actively supports a green environment.

Netting it all out, just as the US Marines are committed to excellence from their core to their actions, Toughbooks deliver a long life of excellent and reliable service and value. Both the Marines and Toughbooks are among the few and the proud whose performance speaks for itself. We invite you to learn more about Toughbooks, Bob Johnson’s and related products at www.usedlaptops.net and www.bobjohnson.com Or, you can contact our sales staff directly at 1-(877)-202-7788.

This article was written by W. Peter Teague, Sales & Marketing Manager for Bob Johnson’s Computer Stuff, Inc., a leading provider of rugged and traditional laptops, desktops, computer repairs and asset management programs. If you have questions or comments on this article or related topics, please send an e-mail attn: Pete via sales_department@bobjohnson.com or visit Pete at http://www.usedlaptops.net/formdisplay.asp?ID=1009

Maximizing Aging IT Assets

In these difficult financial times it is important to maximize every dollar and every other asset we have. The question is how to do that. While we promote the purchase of our used computers that is only one of the ways we can help you maximize your dollars. At Bob Johnson’s Computer Stuff we also offer asset utilization and management programs. These programs can save you money both now and in the future. Our programs in this area also provide a great way for you to not only plan and save but also to actively support the GREEN Initiative.

Our programs include:

• Purchasing your old and soon to retire IT products
• Refurbishing and updating your assets.
• Accepting older assets in trade to help offset the cost of replacement or updated equipment
• Utilizing HOBI International, our asset management and electronics recycling partner.

Between our own in-house programs and those of our partner HOBI International, we can help you with the disposition of corporate assets. There are important and critical decisions and considerations for any organization here, not only from both a financial standpoint and an environmental standpoint but also a regulatory compliance standpoint. The financial importance of these decisions and considerations is even higher with organizations depending on limited and often times grant based funding. Our collective team can work with you to understand your needs and requirements. We can help you with challenges such as logistics, tracking, storage, resale, testing and refurbishment, data protection, disposal and reporting.

When it comes to data protection and disposal, the stakes can be high - especially for those in the law enforcement and emergency medical services areas. You need a partner who understands the critical and confidential nature of the data on your computers. You need a partner who fully understands and appreciates the need to not only to properly dispose and/or reuse the hardware but also understands and appreciates new and strict regulatory compliance issues. These are key areas where we can help you.

At Bob Johnson’s Computer Stuff we do not wait until you are ready to dispose of your assets. Rather, we work with you up-front when you are acquiring IT. Thus, when the time comes to migrate to newer or replacement equipment, your IT infrastructure is not compromised and your IT budget is not drained. Together, we will have established a plan for the future.

When combined with our warranted used computers, favorably priced repair services and network administration capability, we are certain that we can add longevity to, simplify and drive cost containment when it comes to your IT infrastructure.

Contact us today to discuss not only how our used and refurbished computers can save you money but also about our asset utilization and management programs. We are sure you will be pleased by what we can offer you.

About Bob Johnson’s: Bob Johnson’s Computer Stuff, Inc. is a leading provider of refurbished computers, computer repair services, asset management and network administration services. Our client base includes commercial and residential customers along with several municipalities and their police departments. Here at Bob Johnson¡¦s, we pride ourselves on fast, personal and affordable technology solutions to the business challenges our customers face. We differentiate ourselves by not only being an information technology provider, but moreover a strategic ally to our clients. In addition, there is always a live person to answer our phone during business hours.

Here is a page that lists some links to laptop reviews on the various Panasonic Toughbook models.  The Panasonic Toughbook CF-29 is one example of what is reviewed.  These rugged laptops are well built and have a high rating from most users.  However the cost can be inhibitive to say the lest.  Just a base rugged laptop brand new from Panasonic can run upwards to $4000.  This is one reason that used Toughbooks are becoming more popular with government agencies and smaller police departments across the country.

When you weigh the cost of a brand new Toughbook versus the cost of a used ruggedized Panasonic it is easy to see why the used equipment is becoming more popular.  In addition with the popularity of “Going Green” reusing and recycling used computer equipment is the right thing to do.

The bonus is that you save money and save the planet.