Tough New Notebooks From Panasonic
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Panasonic has expanded its Toughbook range with the launch of a semi-rugged notebook, a light but tough handheld, and a ‘business rugged’ notebook designed for the business professional.


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The CF-52 Toughbook has been purpose-built for the business user requiring a flexible, high-performance notebook solution for both in the office and out on the road. The CF-52 comes with a 15.4-inch widescreen display, a battery life of over eight hours, and comes with Wi-Fi built-in.

The CF-52 also features a tough, magnesium alloy case, and a carry handle for easy mobility. It also has a shock-mounted, quick release HDD for extra data security and can withstand a fall of 76cm. The keyboard is moisture and dust resistant, protecting the unit from accidental spills.

Panasonic Australia’s Group Manager for Toughbook, John Wood said, “The CF-52 has enhanced video and graphics capabilities, increased drive capacity at 160GB and Wi-Fi performance expanded to include 802.11 Draft-N. This new notebook is also equipped with enhanced security features, including the Trusted Platform module (TPM v1.2) security chip, and an optional fingerprint scanner and SmartCard reader.

Panasonic Toughbook CF-52 Key Specifications:
– 15.4 inch widescreen display
– Intel Centrino Core 2 Duo Processor Technology
– Magnesium alloy case with handle
– Shock-mounted, quick release hard drive
– Drop and spill-resistant
– Wi-Fi as standard, with optional WWAN (3G)

 


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Panasonic’s CF-U1 is a 3G-ready handheld computer for use where ‘conditions are harsh, space is confined, or ultra-portability is critical.’ This Toughbook has a 5.6-inch widescreen for easy outdoor viewing, can withstand drops of up to 1.2-metres, and is resistant to shocks, vibration, dust, water, altitude, and temperature extremes.

The U1 sports Intel’s latest Atom processor, and comes fully customisable for specific use. Options include: a camera, fingerprint reader, Smartcard reader for security, Magstripe reader that allows for credit card payment, barcode scanner, and optional GPS. The U1 lasts up to nine hours and operates with dual hot-swappable batteries, allowing a user to change batteries without shutting down the device.

The unit is fully-sealed in Magnesium, integrates a solid state drive, users a full-function Windows Vista or XP, built-in with WLAN, Bluetooth, and optional WWAN for on-the-go Internet access.

Panasonic Toughbook CF-U1 Key Specifications:
– Intel Atom Processor
– Wi-Fi and Bluetooth as standard
– Options: barcode, Fingerprint and Magstripe scanners, Camera, GPS, and 3G mobile broadband
– SDHC Memory Card slot
– Up to 9 hours battery life
– Hot-swappable twin Li-Ion batteries
– Solid state drive
– MIL-STD-810F and IP54 compliant – four-foot drop, rain, spill and dust resistant
– 5.6-inch LED touchscreen (1024 x 600 WSVGA)
– Backlit QWERTY keyboard
– Weight: 1kg

 


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The business-rugged Toughbook, the CF-W7, also withstands drops of up to 76cm, can resist up to 100kg of force, and also offers wireless options for anywhere connectivity.

The W7 sports a 12.1-inch screen, weighs 1.4kg, has 7.5 hours battery life, sports a full magnesium alloy case and shock mounted HDD, and uses 1GB of RAM, 120GB storage space, as well as an integrated DVD-multi drive.

John Wood added: “As business travellers and mobile executives are becoming increasingly reliant on their notebooks, the demand for durable and reliable technology is growing. The business rugged Toughbook W7 offers professional an ultra-portable, lightweight notebook solution with the advantages of robust, rugged design to withstand inevitable everyday drops, shocks, and spills.”

Panasonic Toughbook W7 key specifications:
– Full magnesium alloy case
– Shock mounted hard disk drive
– Drop and spill resistant
– Ultra-portable 1.4kg
– 7.5-hour battery life
– Wi-Fi and Bluetooth as standard, with optional WWAN (3G)

Availability and Pricing:
The Panasonic Toughbook CF-52 is now available with an RRP of $2,999.
The Panasonic Tougbook CF-U1 is now available with an RRP of $3,499.
The Panasonic Toughbook CF-W7 is now available with an RRP of $3,599.

See: www.toughbook.com.au