Panasonic Upgrades Toughbook CF-19 Notebook to Feature Sandy Bridge CPU

Panasonic has just announced that is has updated its iconic Toughbook CF-19 rugged convertible notebook to feature Intel's second-generation Core processors as well as a better screen and improved usability.

The notebook is packed inside the same characteristic magnesium alloy casing which protects the components found inside against water, dust, vibrations and high temperatures.

Panasonic has, however, updated the notebook's processing unit and this is now equipped with an Intel dual-core Core i5-2520M processor that comes clocked at 2.5GHz, features 3MB of Level 3 cache, support for the Hyper-Threading technology and Intel HD 3000 integrated graphics.

This is cooled by a passive heatsink, and is the first time that Panasonic has used a regular voltage mobile CPU for the Toughbook CF-19 line.

The fast Intel processors is paired together with 4GB RAM, a hard drive that can reach up to 500GB or with a 128/256GB SSD, 3G, WLAN and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as with a battery that enables up to 9 hours of operation.

The 10.1-inch display of the Toughbook CF-19 was also seriously updated and it now uses Panasonic's Transflective Plus technology which incorporates a circular polarizer to reduce reflection.

As a result, Panasonic claims this technology can reduce power consumption and enhance battery life as no backlight is required in bright environments.

Outside of the new polarizer layer, the screen also received touch capabilities and has been redesigned so that it would allow users to switch from notebook to tablet mode using only one hand.

The CF-19 also comes with a Concealed Mode for use in mission critical environments. Using this feature, the Toughbook can go into “silent mode” by disabling the backlight, status LED’s, speakers and communication (3G, W-LAN and Bluetooth) as specified.

Panasonic's rugged Toughbook CF-19 Mark 5 will go on sale later this month starting at €2,950 (without VAT).