Panasonic announced that it has updated three of its business-rugged notebooks from the 8 series Toughbook line, namely T8, F8 and W8. All the three notebooks work on the Gobi 3G mobile broadband (WWAN) solution from Qualcomm to offer high-speed mobile Internet services.
According to Kyp Walls, director of product management, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company, “Panasonic Toughbook business-rugged notebooks are engineered for the truly mobile professional. We have designed these notebooks to offer industry-leading portability, durability and wireless connectivity–a necessary combination for today’s workers on the move.”
Powered by Intel Core 2 Duo processor, the 8 series notebooks are compatible with 802.11a/b/g/draft-n wireless and Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity options. Certified on major networks, the latest upgraded laptops stay connected and maintain the CDMA or HSPA/UMTS/GPRS technologies. They support Genuine Windows Vista Business operating system.
Similar to all Toughbook notebooks, the F8, T8 and W8 boast strong magnesium alloy cases and chassis, and feature Dynamic Power Performance Management technology and Hybrid Cooling System. The security features include trusted platform module (TPM) security chip v. 1.2, the Computrace theft protection agent in the BIOS, a cable lock slot, password security and an optional fingerprint scanner.
Furthermore, the Toughbook notebooks claim to withstand drops of 12-inch for the unit itself and 30-inch for the shock-mounted hard drive. They also employ the unique Panasonic spill-resistant keyboard design to safeguard against liquid spills of about 6 ounces. The laptops’ lid and base are created to resist over 220 lbs of pressure.
Weighing 3.7 pounds, the Toughbook F8 is the world’s lightest 3G-supported computer with a 14.1-inch wide display and internal optical drive. It comes with a built-in handle, DVD Multi drive, 1 GB SDRAM (expandable to 4GB) and 160 GB hard drive as well as approximately 6 hours of battery life.
At just 3 pounds, the ultraportable Toughbook W8 notebook sports DVD Multi drive, 12.1-inch anti-glare LCD, 1 GB SDRAM (expandable), 120 GB hard disk and battery life of around 7 hours.
Coming to the third Toughbook model, the T8 tablet-alternative notebook features a 12.1-inch touch screen LCD, stylus and screen rotating software. Weighing 3.3 pounds, it comes pre-installed with a 120GB hard drive and 1 GB SDRAM (expandable) and up to 7 hours of battery life.
Backed by a standard three-year limited warranty, the Panasonic W8 and T8 Toughbook notebooks cost $2,099 (approx. Rs. 96,906) and F8 retails for $2,499 (approx. Rs. 115,450). All the three 8 series Toughbook notebooks are scheduled to reach the market in November 2008 from authorized Panasonic Toughbook resellers.
