====== Trying to buy a laptop without Windows installed - Part 4, Panasonic Toughbook ======


  Hi, I am a cf-29 user and am considering upgrading the hardware. On your
  web site you have the statement "Panasonic recommends Windows® 7" but I
  cannot find any alternative choices for operating systems.
  The fact that you have a statement recommending something would seem to
  imply that a choice exists, but you would favour one option over another.
  
  Please can you advise what alternative operating system I can choose if I
  do not want Windows 7.


  Hi Andrew, 
  
  I understand that you are a CF-29 user and considering upgrading the
  hardware and would like us to advise what alternative operating system
  you can choose if I do not want Windows 7.
  
  We provide Windows 7 as standard and we are only allowed to supply XP if
  the project is for more than 25 units - this is not driven by Panasonic.
  If you can let me know the specifications required I will send over
  pricing for the CF-29,  
  
  Thanks
  Danny

And the reply a little while later.... At least Danny knows how to use inline 
replies for email which is more than anyone else who replies on this topic.

  Subject: Re: Panasonic CF-29
  Date: Thu, 24 Nov 2011 09:40:18 +0000
  From: Andrew <xxxxx@rainsbrook.co.uk>
  To: Danny Bradbury <Danny.Bradbury@thebarcodewarehouse.co.uk>
  Reply-To: xxxxx@rainsbrook.co.uk
  
  Hi Danny, 
  
  > I understand that you are a CF-29 user and considering upgrading the hardware 
  > and would like us to advise what alternative operating system you can choose if I do not want Windows 7. 
  
  Basically, yes.
  
  > We provide Windows 7 as standard and we are only allowed to supply XP 
  > if the project is for more than 25 units - this is not driven by Panasonic. 
  > If you can let me know the specifications required I will send over pricing for the CF-29, 
  
  Actually I run Linux on my cf-29 and would consider any windows as a
  downgrade, I am not interested in either windows xp, vista or 7.
  What I would be interested in is to buy the laptop either with a vanilla
  linux which I can either replace with my chosen distro, or without any os
  installed.
  
  If your "Windows 7 recommendation" is not driven by Panasonic, where does
  it come from? Who is not allowing Panasonic to dictate their own sales
  policy?
  
  Regards,
  Andrew.
 

Since I already have a CF29, I don't actually want another CF29. But at least I had a reply. 

  Hi Andrew, 
  
  We can no longer get hold of the CF-29 toughbook these have been
  replaced with the CF-31.
  
  CF-31JLCAXDE   CF-31 MK2 Performance
  
  CF-31JLCAJDE   CF-31 MK2 Performance, HSDPA (Ericsson)
  
  CF-31JECAXDE   CF-31 MK2 Standard
  
  CF-31JECAJDE   CF-31 MK2 Standard, HSDPA (Ericsson)
  
  
  Unfortunately they do not come with a linux OS or without any OS,
  
  The only option is for Windows 7, 
  
  Thanks,
   
  Danny


Still not very helpful, I can only surmise that Microsoft are actually in control of Panasonic's sales strategy.

  Thanks for the reply Danny,
  
  I'm disappointed Linux is not considered an option, I don't use windows
  and am using linux on my cf29 with no problems.
  
  I'm sure there are people and organisations who would use linux if it were
  offered as an option.
  
  Regards,
  Andrew.