Nov/Dec 2005

Panasonic's CF-18 and CF-29 Toughbook ruggedised laptop computers have gained brighter displays, faster processors and faster memory. The CF-18 is the model with Panasonic's distinctive swivelling 10.4in XGA display, while the CF-29 is a more conventional ruggedised unit with a 13.3in screen.

The active-matrix TFT displays on these two models has been upped in brightness to 5000 candelas - an intensity which Panasonic says was reserved in the past for flat-screen TVs and monitors. Even under direct sunlight, they are said to be readable from a range of angles and free from annoying reflections. Our picture seems to bear this out.

Processor speed in the CF-18 has been increased from the original 900MHz to a respectable 1.2GHZ, while that of the CF-29 goes up from 1.1 to 1.6GHz. The CF-18 has a 60 GB hard disk and the CF-29 has an 80 GB hard disk.

The Centrino platforms in the two products have also gained Intel's new, ultra-compact Alviso 915GMS chipset, which is designed for a 400 MHz front-side bus and fast DDR2 SDRAM 400 memory. The Centrino specification of course includes built-in wireless WAN capability to 802.11a/b/g standard.

 

These computers have a shock-proof full-magnesium case and their hard disk is enclosed in specialised foam cladding and suspended in its aluminium frame. They are said to be able to withstand a drop from a height of up to 90 cm, as per MIL-STD 810F standard. They also have an IP54 rating for water and dust resistance.