Panasonic has added two new models to their "TOUGHBOOK" range of sturdy notebook PCs that can survive a 90 cm fall - when powered off. One of them also has a screen that can be rotated up to 180 degrees.

Panasonic has added two new models to its "TOUGHBOOK" range of sturdy notebook PCs that can survive a 90 cm fall when powered off.

The "29 Series" (13.3" LCD) and "18 Series" (10.4" LCD with 180 degree rotation) will go on sale from 7 March. A salt-water corrosion-resistant version of the "29 Series" will be released on 7 April.

The new models have no recommended retail price but expected street prices are 450,000 yen for the standard 29 Series (CF-29JC1AXS), 500,000 yen for the corrosion-resistant 29 Series (CF-29JC9AXS) and 350,000 for the 18 Series (CF-18GC1AXS). Although the new notebooks are targeted at industry, they will also be available for purchase by individuals at Panasonic's direct sales website, "My Let's Guraku-bu".

The main body components of both models are made from magnesium alloy. In addition, shock resistance is improved through features such as protecting the HDD with a special damping material and enclosing it in a metal case. When not operational, the new models can apparently endure a drop from 90cm on to plywood or concrete.

Protection from dust and liquid is also improved, silicon rubber is used to cover case joints and connectors are equipped with metal doors or rubber shields. The keyboard is waterproofed and the keyboard/case joins are shielded. This design means that internal componentry will not be affected even if liquids such as water are spilt on the machine.

The main specifications of the 29 Series include a low-voltage Pentium M 738 (1.40 GHz), 256MB memory (max 512MB), 40GB HDD, Intel 855GME chipset, 1024x768 (XGA) 13.1" LCD, FDD and Windows XP Professional (SP2).

The main specifications of the 18 Series include a low-voltage Pentium M 733 (1.10 GHz), 256MB memory (max 512MB), 40GB HDD, Intel 855GME chipset, 1024x768 (XGA) 10.4" LCD, FDD and Windows XP Professional (SP2).

The LCD display of both models is equipped with an AR-coated touch panel. Interfaces are almost identical: Ethernet, world modem, Type 2 PC Card slot x 2, USB2.0 x 2, mini D-Sub15 pin and serial port. The "CF-18FW1AXS" 18 Series is also equipped with IEEE 802.11b wireless LAN.

Continuous battery life with the standard battery is approximately 8 hours. The 19 Series is 302 x 273 x 63.5 mm in size and weighs approximately 3.6 kg. The 18 Series is 271 x 216 x 48 mm and weighs approximately 2.1 kg.

Inspired by:
http://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/2005/0224/pana.htm

News Release:
http://panasonic.co.jp/corp/news/official.data/data.dir/jn050224-7/jn050224-7.html