Nov/Dec 2003

Panasonic has embraced Intel's Centrino package of low power consumption and wireless connectivity with enthusiasm in a new generation of ruggedised laptops launched into its Toughbook range.

Most eye-catching, perhaps, is its new Toughbook CF-18, which is promoted as "two Toughbooks in one". It has a rotatable, full QWERTY keyboard, allowing it to be used in normal laptop mode; and its flip-over 10.4in transreflective XGA screen can be closed over the keyboard to convert the unit into a tablet PC. In support of this mode, it features a handwriting-to-text conversion capability.

The CF-18 features a 900MHz version of Intel's low-power Mobile Centrino processor with 1MB of Level 2 Cache, along with 256MB of RAM (expandable to 768MB) and a 40GB hard disk drive. The casing is in tough magnesium alloy, and the spec includes a water-resistant pressure-sensitive touchpad that allows use with wet hands or gloves.

Integrated features include 802.11b and GPRS wireless networking, Bluetooth Class 1, wired LAN support and a 56K modem. GPS is optional. Total weight is just 2kg.

Still in the realms of the extra-tough market, Panasonic has upgraded its CF-28 and CF-72 portables. The CF-29 and CF-73 both have a 13.3in screen, and both use Intel Centrino processor technology (running at 1.1GHz and 1.4GHz respectively). Again both have a magnesium-alloy case. The CF-29 has an extra-bright display using Panasonic's SuperClear technology, and also has integrated 802.11b, Bluetooth and wide-area wireless networking.

The CF-73 is said to be the world's first rugged notebook PC with 20-bit digital sound, which is based on built-in ceramic stereo card speakers that are said to be effective even in noisy surroundings. It has built-in antenna for Bluetooth and wireless networking, and supports various connectivity options.

Looking for all the world like the most chic of conventional notebooks, Panasonic's slimline CF-W2 and T2 lightweight notebooks add a touch of style to the Toughbook range. The CF-W2 is described as semi-ruggedised, and has integrated 802.11b wireless LAN connectivity in addition to its 56K modem and 10/100 Base T/X wired networking. There is an SD memory card slot as well as a PC card slot.

Both these models come with a 900Hz Mobile Centrino processor, 256MB of RAM (133MHz SDRAM in the case of the T2) and 12.1in active matrix display. The CF-W2 also comes with a built-in DVD/CD-RW drive.