Technology For Everyone

Panasonic Toughbook

Panasonic released Tuesday morning, six new models Let’s Note model in Japan that are the equivalent of a manufacturer of rugged Toughbook laptops in North America. There were updated versions of the F8, R8, T8, W8, and two new models in the S8 and N8. The main change is the inclusion of 32-bit Windows 7, with some models is the option to downgrade to Windows XP. The new S8 and N8 also get much more powerful processors, Intel Core 2 Duo 2.53 GHz, while the R8 is a low power 1.6 GHz Core 2 Duo. The main difference between S8 and N8 is the inclusion of a DVD player in the S8 and the absence of one on the N8.

Otherwise, they share the same processor, 250 GB hard drive, GM45 Express chipset with GMA 4500 video, and either 2 GB or 4 GB of RAM. Both have a 12.1-inch LCD display with a resolution of 1366×768, and even support for WiMAX, Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, SDHC memory card and HDMI. The S8 weighs less than 2.6 pounds, while the N8 is slightly lighter at 2.4 pounds.

Panasonic also is promoting eight hours of battery life for new models we note standard definition and up to 16 hours for improved models.

The Toughbook characteristics are maintained, including a water-resistant keyboard, the ability to withstand pressure and 225lbs/ft falls to 2.5 meters.

Despite the introduction, no release date or price for the new Let’s Note / Toughbook models were revealed. At least one of the models should ultimately appear in North America but renamed.