A Waterproof Core Duo Notebook?

April 25, 2006 By Geoff Duncan

Although it's only available in Japan, the latest iteration of Panasonic's ToughBook laptops sport impressive shock resistance and a drainage system to protect from spills.

Matsushita Electronics, through its better-known Panasonic brand, has rolled out a new iteration of its ToughBook laptops in Japan, sporting Core Duo processors and, at the high end, impressive shock resistance and a special drainage system to protect it from the wetter kinds of spills.

The Letsnote CF-Y5 notebook (Japanese) offers a 1.5 GHz Intel L2300 Core Duo processor, a 14.1-inch 1,400 by 1,050 pixel display, up to 1 GB of RAM, 802.11a/b/g wireless networking, up to 60 GB hard disk storage, built-in Ethernet, a DVD burner, a PC slot, SD expansion, and VGA output. Impressive enough, but when you add in that the unit is designed to withstand an impact of up to 220 pounds plus a special waterproof sheet and drainage system which protect the hard disk, logic board, and other internal components from damage from small amounts of water or other liquids, it’s a pretty intriguing design.

Unfortunately, the CF-Y5 is only available in Japan right now (at prices if Â¥265,000, which is about $2,300) but you can expect to see some of the features migrate to the North American versions of the ToughBook line.

Showing 9 comments

So Connected at 11:52am 17th January 2007 Toughbook Y5-- Culmination of great design!

I have used Toughbook Ws and Ys through the series-- incredible machines! The Y5 is a powerhouse: Very light, good speed (my Y2 runs Photoshop CS2, Huge Excel spreadsheets, and Nikon Capture NX with aplomb), big 14 inch screen, and phenomenal battery life.

Now to have one that takes a spill-- somehow I don't think I will be dumping anything on it-- although my Y2 has taken a fair share of unhealthy bumps and crushes without failing.

I got my other thin & lights from USAT Corp. http://www.usatcorp.com and according to them you can get the new Y5 and W5 with integrated wireless WAN for Verizon, Sprint / Nextel and Cingular, this would be an integrated antenna hanging off the top of the back, and an on-off switch. USAT Corp said the weight gain with WAN would be negligible, so the weight should still be ~3.7lbs, and the affect on battery life a consideration, but probably less than a PC-Card since this will be an internal module (USAT sales guys opinion). The Y5 was out in Japan in May... so why no internal DVD-R on the US version. DVD-Rs are very inexpensive even dual layer drives are less than $60 retail now! Other issue is I thin kthe wireless (at least for Sprint) is rev0 not the newer faster rev.A EVDO :(

If you ever travel, even to a coffee shop, carry this or carry a mainframe, your choice.

FWIW-- I am effusive about this company USAT (and have gotten every Toughbook I have purchased from them -- a bit hard to find but located here www.usatcorp.com ) since they always seem to have the inside track on Panasonic Toughbooks and mobile computing and they have stuck with me up after I have purchased. Phone is 888-550-8728 -- the sales rep who helped me last was Lisa and she knew all!
DynoRoddy at 6:46am 28th April 2006 Ok, so it survives water, but is it safe when the following machine-wrecking liquids get on it??

Coca-Cola (any)
Pepsi (any)
Orange juice / drink
Coffee with sugar and whitener
Coffee with sugar and milk/cream
Vending machine "soup" (especially the red or white varieties)
Vending machine "tea" (especially the white varieties)

Each of these noxious substances has a different way of destroying PC / laptop keyboards. ("normal" PC keyboards react differently to laptop ones)
Keith at 1:40am 27th April 2006 Could I submerge the entire notebook underwater?
Ray Tracer at 11:27am 26th April 2006 My aunt gave me her Vaio so she could get a toughbook to go over to Iraq with the US Army. It's stood up to >110 degree weather pretty well for her so far. I'm pretty impressed with its functionality.
Jose at 8:11pm 25th April 2006 policemen would benefit from such a design (seeing as they are already using this) as well as building contractors and other "outside" workers.
Baku at 8:05pm 25th April 2006 If you asked any business men or women who carries a laptop around in Japan. Most of them use Panasonic. They last a long time and can endure twice if not more wear and tear than any other laptops.

Remember, the Panasonic Military Grade ToughBook was able to stop a bullet and saved a soldier's life in the war in Iraq.
Jonathan at 8:00pm 25th April 2006 Can't wait to put this thing in my shower. I can finally do work in there without worrying about electricuting myself.
dan gaul at 4:09pm 25th April 2006 I personally have no need for this in my field of work. However, my bro would love one of these. Perfect for people that are installing fiber/cabling and networks.
jeff at 11:05am 25th April 2006 IMO the TougBooks have never really been that tough unless you get their contractor grade series. Pretty cool concept though.