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Panasonic: Durability, Mobility, Performance in One
[March 28, 2006]

Panasonic: Durability, Mobility, Performance in One


Associate Editor
 
Today’s consumers and workforce alike are considerably more mobile than any previous generation.  With that added mobility comes increased wear and tear on any portable lifestyle products — cell phones, watches, media players, and the like.  For today’s workforce, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company has created a line of notebook computers to complement the rugged lifestyle.  Next week, the company is set to unveil it latest Toughbook notebook computer.

The Panasonic Toughbook CF-74 is a durable, yet fully equipped and functional wireless computing option for people constantly on the go, who find their laptops constantly being bumped and banged on the plane, train, or automobile.  It is housed in a magnesium alloy case, with an integrated handle, spill-resistant keyboard, daylight-readable screen, and battery life of approximately seven hours.  New security features include an optional finger print scanner and a Trusted Platform Module (TPM v.1.2) security chip.

For added efficiency and power, Toughbook-74 incorporates the new Intel (News - Alert) Core Duo Processor T2400, an 80GB shock-mounted HDD and a standard 512MB SDRAM (DDR2), which is expandable to 4,096MB.

 
With integrated local area wireless and optional embedded next-generation wide area wireless and/or Bluetooth connectivity, the latest semi-rugged Toughbook offers high quality, reliable wireless access to data. For even more connectivity on the go, the Toughbook-74, as of its release, has been certified on the EV-DO networks of both Sprint (News - Alert) and Verizon (News - Alert).  EV-DO is a cellular-like high speed wireless data solution, which allows for wireless connectivity, even when out of range of a WiFi network.

“The Toughbook-74 is the ultimate road warrior PC, built from the ground up for mobility,” said Rance Poehler, president, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company. “It is more rugged than our ultra-light executive notebooks and lighter than our products designed for the most extreme computing environments and situations.”

The Toughbook-74 is built on the success of its predecessor, the Toughbook-73, which has been deployed by hundreds of enterprises, government agencies, and mobile workers in all industries.  It is a high-performance, ultra-powerful notebook that delivers maximum unwired freedom wherever business takes you.

Panasonic also delivers pre- and post-deployment professional services and provides ongoing support to maximize the usefulness of every Toughbook.

Features of the Toughbook CF-74 include:
  • Intel Core Duo Processor T2400 (2MB L2 cache), Processor speed 1.83GHz (Dual Core), 667MHz FSB
  • Microsoft (News - Alert) Windows XP Professional SP2
  • 80GB HDD, shock mounted and removable
  • 512MB SDRAM (DDR2) standard, expandable to 4,096MB
  • Combo Drive (DVD-ROM/CD-R/RW)
  • Full Magnesium Alloy case with integrated handle
  • 13.3" 1024 x 768 (XGA) transmissive, 460 Nit daylight-readable TFT Active Matrix Color LCD with Touchscreen
  • Dimensions: 1.7"-2.4"(H) x 12"(W) x 11.6"(D) (with handle)
  • Weight: 5.95 lbs.
  • Battery Life: 7-8 hours
  • Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 Network Connection with respective drivers
  • Optional Wide Area Wireless (certified on Sprint and Verizon EV-DO networks as of March 2006))
  • Security features, including cable lock slot, Trusted Platform Module (TPM) v.1.2 security chip, optional finger print scanner, optional SmartCard reader
  • 3-year limited warranty, parts & labor

The Panasonic Toughbook CF-74 will be generally available in April, 2006 starting at an estimated street price of $2,999.00.

Erik Linask is Associate Editor of INTERNET TELEPHONY. Most recently, he was Managing Editor at Global Custodian, an international securities services publication. To see more of his articles, please visit Erik Linask’s columnist page.

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