14 DAY TRIAL // Rugged and semi-rugged notebooks might not be very common, since they are aimed at a fairly reduced number of consumers and possible work environments, but they seem to always get attention thanks to their sturdy construction.
When looking at the hardware within the Panasonic Toughbook CF-53, one might think it is meant as a competitor to all the other Sandy Bridge machines out there.
A Core i3 or Core i5 Intel central processing unit (CPU) is backed up by up to 8 GB of RAM (random access memory) and handled by the Windows 7 Professional 32-bit or 64-bit operating system.
Also, the display is a 14-inch, LED-backlit LCD with a native resolution of 1,366 x 768 pixels (HD), while a 7,200 RPM HDD provides storage space.
What's more, WiFi is present, as is Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, Gigabut Ethernet, USB 3.0, VGA, HDMI, an ExpressCard slot and a memory card reader, among other things.
Still, being a semi-rugged machine, the newcomer does stand out thanks to the spill-resistant keyboard and the shock-shielding HDD drive cartridge, among other things.
All in all, it passed eight MIL-STD-810G tests for durability and can last for up to 10 hours on a single battery charge.
"The next-generation Toughbook 53 was designed with a substantial amount of customer input and is the result of Panasonic's goal to offer the most functional and reliable devices for today's mobile workforce," said Kyp Walls, director of product management, Panasonic Solutions Company.
"The Toughbook 53 is ideal for mobile professionals in industries such as insurance, construction and field service, where a standard commercial-grade laptop does not provide sufficient durability. Panasonic has added enhanced features to this new device providing added flexibility for professionals who spend a significant amount of time working from the road.”
June is whens ales will start, for $2,449, while July will see the arrival of a model equipped with a Panasonic CircuLumin polarized anti-glare touchscreen of up to 800 nits brightness.