Panasonic upgrades its rugged Toughbook 19 Tablet PC

Panasonic has introduced upgrades to its Toughbook 19 rugged convertible tablet computer. The next generation Toughbook 19F convertible tablet PC joins Panasonic’s flagship Toughbook 30F clamshell notebook with its incorporation of the Core 2 Duo processor and expanded memory capabilities, (1GB SDRAM standard, upgradeable up to 4GB). The 5.1 lb Toughbook 19 also offers an optional integrated 2MP camera for use in inspection and incident documentation applications for which the convertible tablet has become widely deployed in military, government and commercial applications.

These MIL-SPEC-certified notebooks incorporate magnesium alloy cases, sealed keyboards and ports, hard drive heaters, flexible internal connectors and shock-mounting. Both the Toughbook 19 convertible tablet and the Toughbook 30 notebook include an anti-glare, anti-reflective sunlight viewable display, WiFi 802.11a/b/g, Bluetooth, a mobile broadband-ready (WWAN) design, along with backlit keyboard, GPS wireless and many more options. To allow the units to run fast but cool the notebooks utilize heat-pipe technology. This is a big plus with internal fans creating noise, adding weight and providing a potential source of failure in computing environments where dust, sand, humidity and precipitation are common.

The Toughbook 19 has a sunlight-readable 550 nit tablet model or a 500 nit touchscreen – both come with an anti-glare, anti-reflective coating and even with these bright screens, Panasonic claims both PCs still deliver 7 hours of battery life. Panasonic also allows for its screens to be dimmed significantly for the security and safety of those working in dark environments, such as military or law enforcement operations. Panasonic Toughbook notebooks are tested using the MIL-STD-810F methodology for a range of extreme conditions including drops (36”, unit and hard drive), shocks, vibration, humidity, altitude, water, rain and dust-resistance, temperature extremes and thermal shock. The rugged Panasonic Toughbook notebook screens, cases, ports, and keyboards are also IP54-rated for water and particulates and the products have achieved UL1604 Class 1/Div. 2 certification for use in hazardous environments.

The Toughbook 19F is available now through authorized Panasonic Toughbook resellers across the US at an estimated street price of US$3,199. The Toughbook 19 with integrated camera will be available in May 2008 with an estimated street price of US$3,699.

For further info vist Panasonic.