Panasonic Upgrades Its Rugged Toughbook® 19 Convertible Tablet PC to Deliver More Computing Power, Memory

SECAUCUS, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Panasonic Computer Solutions Company, manufacturer of durable, reliable Panasonic Toughbook® mobile computers, today introduced upgrades to its Panasonic Toughbook 19 rugged convertible tablet computer. The next generation Toughbook 19F convertible tablet PC joins Panasonic’s flagship Toughbook 30F clamshell notebook with its incorporation of the Core 2 Duo processor and expanded memory capabilities. The 5.1 lb Toughbook 19 also offers an optional integrated camera for use in inspection and incident documentation applications for which the convertible tablet has become widely deployed in military, government and commercial applications.

These MIL-SPEC-certified notebooks incorporate the rugged features—such as magnesium alloy cases, sealed keyboards and ports, hard drive heaters, flexible internal connectors and shock-mounting—that combine to deliver the highest levels of reliability in the industry. Both the Toughbook 19 convertible tablet and the Toughbook 30 notebook include an anti-glare, anti-reflective sunlight viewable display, WiFi 802.11a/b/g, Bluetooth, a mobile broadband-ready (WWAN) design, along with backlit keyboard, GPS wireless and many more options.

“Panasonic has always been at the forefront of engineering and building mobile solutions that incorporate enhancements in processing power while advancing durability, screen brightness, battery life and embedded wireless technologies,” said Kyp Walls, director of product management, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company. “Panasonic engineers tackle reliability from the inside out and we manufacture and real-world test to ensure that our technology can withstand the conditions our customers face every day—and over the long term. Panasonic’s technical superiority is further supported by our deep network of channel partners and solution providers who understand the environments in which our customers work and the applications they require to meet the high standards expected of them.”

Engineered for the Usage Environment

Rugged PCs must be purpose-built and engineered for the environments in which they will likely be used. This requires solutions for heat management and screens which can be read in bright sunlight.

Panasonic addresses heat dissipation—a critical component in truly water- and dust-resistant units running faster, hotter processors—through its heat-pipe technology, allowing next-generation rugged units to run fast but cool without using a fan. Internal fans create noise, add weight and are a significant potential source of failure in rugged computing environments where dust, sand, humidity and precipitation are common.

The Toughbook 19 has a sunlight-readable 550 nit tablet model or a 500 nit touchscreen – both come with an anti-glare, anti-reflective coating as well as innovative technology developed by Panasonic that dramatically improves contrast and viewability outdoors. In addition, the Toughbook 30 was the first notebook to achieve a 1,000 nit rating. Even with these bright screens, both PCs still deliver 7 hours of battery life. Panasonic also allows for its screens to be dimmed significantly for the security and safety of those working in dark environments, such as military or law enforcement operations.

Panasonic Factory and Independent Quality Testing

Rugged Panasonic Toughbook notebooks are tested using the MIL-STD-810F methodology for a range of extreme conditions including drops (36”, unit and hard drive), shocks, vibration, humidity, altitude, water-, rain- and dust-resistance, temperature extremes and thermal shock. Each of the eleven Mil-spec tests conducted on the Toughbook 19 (and the Toughbook 30) is validated by independent lab testing. In addition, rugged Panasonic Toughbook notebook screens, cases, ports, and keyboards are IP54-rated for water and particulates. The products have achieved UL1604 Class 1 / Div. 2 certification for use in hazardous environments.

At the Panasonic computer factory, in addition to mil-spec tests, Toughbook notebook hinges endure 50,000 cycles and keyboards are subjected to 25 million keystrokes. Panasonic’s commitment to quality—at both the component and finished goods level—results in a total of more than 500 checks and tests before, during and after production, on every unit built.

Superior Warranty, Support and Professional Services

Every Panasonic Toughbook mobile PC is sold with a standard three-year limited warranty and access to 24/7/365 U.S.-based phone support for the entire life of the unit. Panasonic boasts an average call center hold time of less than 75 seconds. In addition, in the unlikely event of a hardware-related failure, Panasonic covers the cost of overnight shipping to and from its national service center, where the average turnaround time for repairs is less than two and a half days. Panasonic also offers a full range of professional pre- and post-deployment services, including on-site support.

Pricing and Availability

The Toughbook 19F is available now at an estimated street price of $3,199. The Toughbook 19 with integrated camera will be available in May 2008 with an estimated street price of $3,699. These and other Toughbook notebooks are available exclusively through authorized Panasonic Toughbook resellers nationwide. Please visit www.panasonic.com/toughbook for more information.

Panasonic Toughbook 19 Convertible Tablet PC: Select Features and Specifications

• Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor U7500 (2MB L2 cache), Processor speed 1.06GHz, 533MHz FSB
• 80GB HDD (shock-mounted and user-removable)
• 1 GB SDRAM standard, expandable to 4 GB
• Optional external USB Combo Drive
• Full magnesium alloy case with hand strap
• Touchscreen Display version: 10.4" 1024 x 768 (XGA) transmissive, 500 nit daylight-readable TFT Active Matrix Color LCD
• Tablet Display version: 10.4" 1024 x 768 (XGA) transmissive, 550 nit daylight-readable TFT Active Matrix Color LCD with Digitizer
• Dimensions: 1.9" (H) x 10.7" (W) x 8.5" (D)
• Weight: 5.1 lbs.
• Battery Life: 7 hours, depending on use conditions
• Intel® Wireless WiFi Link 4965AG 802.11a/b/g, Bluetooth v2.0+EDR
• Optional integrated WWAN (EV-DO Rev. A or HSDPA)
• Optional integrated GPS receiver
• Optional integrated 2MP camera with 5 ft. LED flash
• Security features include: wireless on/off switch; Password Security: Supervisor, User; Hard Disk Lock; Cable lock slot; Trusted Platform Module (TPM) v.1.2 security chip; Computrace theft protection agent in BIOS; optional fingerprint scanner; optional SmartCard reader
• Genuine Windows Vista® Business (with XP downgrade option), Setup, Diagnostics, DMI Viewer, Online Reference Manual, Adobe® Reader, Panasonic Handwriting (with signature capture on Tablet PC version), Software Keyboard, Display Rotation Tool, Hard Disk Data Erase Utility, Recovery DVD
• 3-year limited warranty, parts & labor

About Panasonic Computer Solutions Company

Panasonic Computer Solutions Company empowers the mobile workforce. The company is a unit of Panasonic Corporation of North America, which is the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (NYSE: MC). Panasonic has delivered reliable, durable mobile solutions through its Toughbook® line of notebook computers for fifteen years and has expanded the boundaries of wireless communications technology through a broad portfolio of products, ranging from fully rugged, industrial strength notebook computers and tablet PCs to business-rugged thin and light and ultraportable notebooks. A core manufacturer, Matsushita and its subsidiaries control the entire process of design, manufacture, quality assurance, service and support. As a result, Panasonic Toughbook notebooks are known for having the lowest failure rates in the industry. Government, industrial, and commercial users—from Fortune 1,000 companies to small businesses—rely on solutions from Panasonic, wherever their work takes them.

All brand and company/product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies. All specifications are subject to change without notice. Information on Panasonic’s full line of notebook PCs for the mobile professional can be obtained by calling 800-662-3537 or at http://www.panasonic.com/toughbook.