Panasonic Toughbook travels to the 'Roof Of The World'

It’s often joked that you never really appreciate a computer until it goes down on you, which is precisely why the market for ruggedised computers exists. As we find more ways to depend on the computer, it’s inevitable that stories of computers withstanding incredible punishment will surface and such is the case with a recent Everest ascent by the ultra-ruggedised Panasonic Toughbook CF-18. On May 31, 2005, Australian Rex Pemberton reached the summit of Mt Everest and at 21years, became the youngest Australian to stand on top of the World’s tallest mountain. Rex’s Toughbook was his constant companion for the months leading up to the successful ascent, and was used for over two months on the mountain to type his daily diary, read e-mails from home, store digital photos and video footage taken on the climb, and to make notes for a book and documentary on the expedition. With the Toughbook connected to a satellite phone, the diary was e-mailed back to Australia for uploading to his web site.

In the extreme conditions of this high-altitude environment, the equipment used to support such an expedition, needs to be able to stand up to extraordinarily harsh punishment, - including facing temperature ranges from -30C to 40C, vibration and potential damage from transportation through the mountains, as well as destructive elements such as snow, dust, and condensation.

The Toughbook CF-18 was used to send email via satellite phone, enabling him to maintain a crucial link with the outside world during the entire journey. His diary tracks a two-month journey from acclimatisation in Nepal to Base Camp at 5,350 metres to the -30C chill of Camp 4 at 7980 meters - and then ascending the summit of Everest, at 8848 metres, the highest point on the Earth.

Rex’s Toughbook CF-18 also enabled him to create a vital connection to his team at base camp and at home and allowed him to communicate at far greater length and detail possible than had he been limited to calls on a satellite phone. During his final bid for the summit, his supporters were also able to use the Toughbook to provide 'step by step' updates.

The Toughbook became an official member of the exhibition after passing with flying colours during Rex's training trips in the New Zealand Alps in February.

Each Panasonic Toughbook CF-18 is purpose-built for survival in extreme conditions, with features designed to prevent damage and protect valuable data from impact, moisture, water and dust. The Toughbook has a powerful battery for extended life in the field of up to eight hours without recharging. The Toughbook also has a swivel LCD design that converts from a notebook to a tablet PC.

Built-in ruggedised features include a full magnesium-alloy case, impact-isolated screen and hard drive, sealed port and connector covers, ruggedised case hinge and moisture and dust-resistant LCD, keyboard and touchpad.

Toughbooks endure stringent MIL-STD-801F (military standard) testing procedures that measure for dust, water, vibration, extreme temperature and moisture resistance as well as drop shock absorption - making them tough enough to handle diverse applications from battlefield intelligence to emergency care. Specifications include operation to -28C, thermal shock tests in a temperature range from -28C to over 60C (operational); and operation at an altitude of up to 15,000 feet (4572m).

Even so, the trip to Everest would have to be its toughest test yet, with the Toughbook ultimately required to perform far beyond the original manufacturing parameters.

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