Panasonic Creates ‘Toughbook’
Due out in September, Panasonic's Toughbook is no joke -- it's created for work in the most hostile of environments, be it a rocky outcrop or a board meeting. The Toughbook is protected, cushioned and reinforced, all in order to transform the dainty, fragile device into something one can really use. There are various models to choose from, be it the fully rugged one or the still very cool "business rugged".
This outer skin of security means that the Toughbook can be dropped from a height of up to 2.5 feet (presumably while running), as long as it lands on its base. A fall from a height of one foot is not a problem -- as long as the computer is turned off -- from 26 different impact points. All this cushioning and the Toughbook only weighs in at three pounds -- the newest Macbook Air weighs an almost identical 2.96 pounds.
The Toughbooks also comes with the ability to detect fingerprints and has a built-in (presumably tough) cable lock slot. Did I mention you can put heavy stuff on it, as long as it's 220 pounds or less? That means you might be able to use it as a sitting surface if it really comes down to it. It can also handle 6 ounces of liquid all over everywhere; not your standard notebook.
Although the Toughbook comes with its own internal security system, I think the device would be a great match with Notebak's suite of software. A laptop that one can drop, sit on, use to fingerprint users as well as secretly take their pictures and record sounds? Now that sounds pretty surreal. Too bad the Toughbook will start at around $2450.
via PC World