Sunday, September 29, 2013

Linux enabled 3G on Toughbooks for Governmental clients

Latest Toughbook experiments brought me into 3G card swapping thing. I have CF-53, which works perfectly with integrated 3G (Sony Ericsson miniPCI module) and then I have CF-C2 with integrated Gobi3000, which is total crap from Linux point of view. So, latest is that I swapped Sony Ericsson module from CF-53 to CF-C2 and now my favourite laptop (Toughbook CF-C2) and now it has 8GB RAM, working 3G connection and working touch screen.

All running with secure Ubuntu 13.04.

I have also other measures on stock to enable integrated 3G on Toughbooks. So, make sure Panasonic gets your opinion about using Gobi and Windows. Our governmental clients cannot use Windows for security reasons and every unit we ship, we do this installation of Linux and enabling 3G and security.

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Panasonic CF-AX2 with Linux

Friday is most exciting day in a week, always. It allows you to explore and move further. Like I did yesterday. Picked up my brand new CF-AX2, Panasonic Toughbook family member.

Our company "Zero Windows" policy allowed me to explore new things and install latest Ubuntu 12.10 into this small and beautiful ultrabook. So no Windows booted at this time, like never before.

Regading CF-AX2's hardware, I must say it's way beyond my expectations. I have been carried Mac Air 11" before and this is way much similar thing. Things which worked out of box with ubuntu 12.10 are Display, Sound, Hibernating and Touchscreen (!). Gobi3000 3G does not get recognized, but I might tweak it later on. 

Our company projects run around Linux and this little computer is great member when running with latest Ubuntu 12.10. Big thanks for Panasonic for making things compatible with Linux.




Sunday, February 10, 2013

Toughbook CF-C2

Last week I got latest and small Panasonic Toughbook CF-C2. Fine little machine with Ubuntu 12.10 is something to look for if you're mobile warrior.

Current ubuntu kernel does not support Wacom touch display (USB ID: 056a:0101 Wacom Co., Ltd) or Sierrawireless 3G (USB ID: 1199:9011 Sierra Wireless, Inc.), but I bet this get sorted out shortly.

I am currently active with these computers in our daily business; Panasonic Toughbook CF-53 & CF-C2, Mac book Pro 13" (retina) and 11" Air. I keep diverting my data, tasks and deliverables over multiple computers partly as backup and version upgrades.

For example, I keep currently Ubuntu 12.10 for main main embedded coding computer (CF-53) and when 13.04 rolls in, I can upgrade CF-C2 first and see how compliers act. No surprises no fuss. Of course computers alone are not only thing which keeps rolling, another measure is removable HD's in these Toughbooks. When new version of OS needs to be applied, it's easy for new HD and old one in safe. Backup and versions, all in that.

Installation

Few words about ubuntu installation on that CF-C2. I never booted Windows 8, USB stick in and installation of 12.10 (32bit/PAE) started. Encrypted HD partitioning and I was in fresh installation in 10 minutes. Compare that to Windows activation. Then I tarred my home directory, dropped tar and extracted it in place. All emails, encryption keys and documents tidy and fresh in.

So - I kind of jump start this way every time I need refresh in OS and computers. And I am actually quite convinced that all my competitors should stay in Windows.