14 DAY TRIAL // Panasonic has recently announced a new portable computer system that is part of its Toughbook line, and which is dubbed Toughbook 52. The system boasts a 13.3-inch XGA touchscreen display that is said to be capable of providing 1000 nits of brightness, with the screen being capable of working in direct sunlight, due to the use of anti-glare and anti-reflective technology.
“The new touchscreen Toughbook 52 is designed to meet the growing need for touchscreen laptops,” said Kyp Walls, director, product management, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company. “The new device offers the ideal mix of exceptionally low failure rates, long battery life, connectivity, portability, functionality and affordability. The award winning Toughbook 52 is well suited for mobile professionals like insurance claims adjusters, health workers and others working in data driven environments. The 1,000 nit touchscreen improves usability for mobile workers regularly tasked with conducting business outdoors or in other locations where bright sunlight can make screen viewability difficult.”
Currently, there are two configurations of the new Panasonic Thoughbook 52 semi-rugged portable computer system, one of which will provide users with a choice for a smaller, 13.3-inch XGA touchscreen display that boasts 1000 nits brightness. The optional display can be used even when exposed to direct sunlight, as it comes with anti-glare and anti-reflective technology.
Aside from that, the Thoughbook 52 provides users with a choice for a 15.4-inch widescreen 1280 x 800 WXGA LCD, or a 15.4-inch widescreen 1920 x 1200 WUXGA LCD. The later configuration is equipped with an Intel Centrino 2 P8600 2.4GHz processor and an ATI Radeon HD 3650 graphics card, featuring 512MB of dedicated VRAM. The other configuration combines an Intel Centrino 2 P8400 processor with an Intel GMA 4500MHD video card, with a maximum of 797 MB UMA VRAM.
Both configurations support up to 4GB of DDR2 RAM and are equipped with a 160GB hard drive, which is shock-mounted with quick-release. Additional features include an optional integrated GobiTM 3G global mobile Internet (WWAN), Wireless WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity and a weight of 7.5 lbs, or 7.9 lbs with an optional touchscreen.
As far as pricing goes, the new Toughbook 52 laptop comes at an estimated starting price tag of $1,699, and $2,549 with touchscreen option.
