A Waterproof Core Duo Notebook?

By Geoff Duncan Published April 25, 2006

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.

Recommended Videos

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.

Former Contributor

Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

Computing

Apple will finally stop making iPhone-to-Windows copy-paste such a chore

Your iPhone may finally copy and paste with a Windows PC like it should

Apple Universal Clipboard feature

Copying something on an iPhone and pasting it onto a Windows PC should be one of the least remarkable features imaginable. While this simple process seems effortless between an iPhone and Mac, Windows users are still left waiting.

Now, Microsoft is formally asking Apple to provide interoperable clipboard access through the company’s European Union interoperability process. The request, submitted on March 25, argues that iOS restrictions prevent third-party platforms from creating an experience comparable to Apple’s Universal Clipboard. Apple has now reached Phase III and committed to developing a solution.

Computing

Chrome wants more extension reviews, but good ratings won’t keep malware out

Google is testing built-in extension review prompts, but good ratings can still hide malware

malicious-google-chrome-extensions-on-web-store

Google is preparing to add extension review links directly inside Chrome, putting feedback closer to the menus people already use to manage their add-ons.

A Chromium change, first spotted by Windows Report, points to review options in the Extensions menu, the chrome://extensions management page, and extension context menus. Only eligible Chrome Web Store extensions in good standing would qualify, and the feature is still under development.

Computing

Passkeys were pushed as a safer future. Hackers have figured out ways to break those synced to Google

Google’s “uncopyable” passkeys may be easier to steal than promised

google-lawsuite-AI-Scams

Passkeys have been pushed as the safer successor to passwords. It promised protection from phishing, credential reuse, and password leaks. Google even claims that it cannot be copied or accidentally handed to someone else. But it might not be as secure as the company wants it to be.

Security researchers (Via BleepingComputer) have now found three ways malware can undermine those promises for passkeys synced through Google Password Manager. The techniques, collectively named Pass-ta-key, target Google Password Manager inside Chrome on Windows computers equipped with a Trusted Platform Module. Every attack requires malware to already be running on the victim’s computer.