Sure, there’s always a tradeoff between sheer rugged durability and processing power, but folks who need solid computing power in extreme conditions will be happy to know Panasonic has just upgraded its Toughbook 19 convertible tablet PC with Core 2 Duo processors and expanded memory capability, along with an optional integrated 2 megapixel camera. And, yes, the Toughbook 19 is still tested using the MIL-STD-810F methodology for extreme conditions and resistance to dust, moisture, vibration, humidity, shocks and drops, altitude, and temperature extremes.
“Panasonic has always been at the forefront of engineering and building mobile solutions that incorporate enhancements in processing power while advancing durability, screen brightness, battery life and embedded wireless technologies,” said Panasonic director of product management Kyp Walls, in a statement. “Panasonic engineers tackle reliability from the inside out and we manufacture and real-world test to ensure that our technology can withstand the conditions our customers face every day—and over the long term.”
The revamped Toughbook 19 features an 1.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo U7500 processor with 2 MB of L2 cache, a standard 1 GB of RAM (expandable to 4 GB), and a shock mounted 80 GB hard drive. Both the touchscreen PC version and table version sport a 10.4 inch 1,024 by 768-pixel display, a 550-nit daylight-readable TFT active matrix display, and Intel GMA 965 integrated graphics with the capability to drive an external display at 1,280 by 1,024 pixels. The ToughBooks offer 802.11/a/b/g Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.0 wireless networking (with optional integrated WWAN capability using EVDO-A or HSDPA), gigabit Ethernet, two USB 2.0 ports, a single four-pin IEEE 1394 port, ExpressCard/54 and PC Card I/II slots, support for SDHC media cards, and optional fingerprint scanners and smartcard readers. Panasonic also offers an optional GPS receiver, an external USB combo drive and a 120 GB drive as upgrade options.
The upgraded ToughBook 19F is available now at a suggested price of $3,199; the ToughBook 19 with the integrated camera should be available this May for an estimated price of $3,699. Sure, these units may not offer all the power of high-end gaming notebooks—but we’re willing to bet you’ll give up before they will.
