Panasonic beefs up Toughbook laptops for executives

Tough lightweight laptops promise better wireless connectivity and longer battery life

Panasonic this week announced three new lightweight business laptops in its Toughbook range of robust notebooks, and plans for an updated version of its flagship CF-29 " ruggedised" model for use in extreme environments.

Unveiled at a European launch in South Wales, the company said the new CF-W5, CF-T5 and CF-Y5 lightweight models boast significantly longer battery life, enhanced wireless connectivity and improved multidrive support compared with the earlier four series.

Dr Herbert Fischer, chief technology officer for Panasonic Computer Products in Europe, said the lightweight models were designed to appeal to "white collar workers" rather than the field workers who traditionally use Panasonic's " ruggedised" notebooks. However, he added that many of the design principles of other Toughbooks had been incorporated in the new versions, which are tested to withstand drops from 30 centimetres, are fully spill resistant, and boast battery life of up to 15 hours.

Jan Kaempfer, marketing director at Panasonic, said the T5 and W5 versions feature Core Solo Intel processors and 12.1in screens and will be available from October through Panasonic's sales channels and web site. The T5 will be priced at €2,050 (£11,380 + VAT) and the lighter W5 featuring DVD-ROM and CD R/RW capabilities will be priced at €2,150 (£1,450 + VAT).

Kaempfer added that the dual-core, 14.1in Y5 version will be available from November at €2,500 (£1,690 + VAT), and the company is considering launching a smaller, 10in version of the five series in Europe next year.

The five series will be primarily aimed at existing Toughbook customers in sectors such as utilities and telecoms, which use the ruggedised models in their field services departments, according to Keith Evans, managing director for Panasonic Computer Products in Europe. "We can take the five series to customers where we have helped reduce their laptop failure rate from over 40 percent to three percent [among field operatives] and say we can bring similar reliability to other parts of their business."

The increased sturdiness may appeal to business executives following recent airline restrictions that have forced travellers to put laptops in the hold.

Separately, a new version of the CF-29 ruggedised notebook designed to withstand high impacts and other extremes is due around the end of the year and will feature a brighter screen. "A lot of our users use their notebooks outside, so a brighter screen makes it easier to use in daylight," said Kaempfer.

And new versions of the CF-74 and CF-51 - which sit between the CF-29 and five series in terms of robustness - built on Intel's forthcoming dual-core Santa Rosa platform are slated for launch next year.