Panasonic updates the Toughbook CF-31 and CF-53 rugged laptops

The two notebooks now offer enhanced productivity, battery life and connectivity options

Ivan Zhekov, Published 07/05/2012

The Osaka-headquartered electronics company, Panasonic has just unveiled updated versions of the rugged Toughbook CF-31 and CF-53 portable computers. According to the manufacturer, both laptops are now up for order and have starting prices of €3,699 ($4,645) and €1,544 ($1,940), respectively.

Panasonic claims its market leading semi-rugged notebook, the Toughbook CF-53, will offer field workers “enhanced performance and flexibility”. The device is now driven by a third generation (Ivy Bridge) Intel Core i5-3320M vPro central processing unit that packs two physical cores clocked at 2.6GHz (goes up to 3.3GHz via Turbo Boost) and the integrated Intel HD 4000 video card. Furthermore, the laptop will be available in three different models: Standard (with a 14.0-inch HD display), Touchscreen (up to 1.000nit high brightness, sunlight viewable, resistive touchscreen panel) and Automotive (for automotive research/development and workshop environments; comes outfitted with a 14-inch HD display, optimized ports and double PC card slot).

According to a company press release, the Toughbook 53 will be equipped with low voltage DDR3L internal memory, a 500GB hard drive (up from 320GB) and an additional 128GB-512GB SSD (optional). Other features include optional GPS or RFID modules, Firewire, Modem, built-in DVD Burner, a 1.3MP web camera for video calls and a 6300mAh battery pack that has autonomy of up to 11 hours on a single charge.

Panasonic’s flagship, fully rugged Toughbook CF-31 notebook is reportedly designed to function even in the most extreme mobile computing environments. It is compliant with the IP65 and MIL-STD-810G military standards for toughness (shock, drops, water, dust resistant), and will come in two different models: Standard and Performance. Apparently, the latter will be powered by an Ivy Bridge, Dual-Core Intel Core i5-3360M processor operating at a frequency of 2.8GHz – 3.5GHz and a discrete AMD Radeon HD 7750M GPU, while the Standard offers an Intel Core i5-3320M vPro chip and integrated graphics.

Moreover, the CF-31 has a flouting mounted, 13.1-inch wide touchscreen display with circular polarizer (Panasonic’s Circular Polarizing technology presumably delivers 1,200 cd/m² high brightness and low reflection ratio) of XGA native resolution. This laptop also features 3G (HSPA+, 21MBit/s DL) radio, built-in web camera, GPS receiver and a 8550mAh battery that is good for up to 14.5 hours of usage (the Standard model comes with an optional secondary battery that users can supposedly attach by utilizing the multimedia bay, thus extending the battery life of the device by up to 6.5 hours).

The Toughbook 53 and 31 units come stacked with Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6235 802.11 a/b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0 adapters, USB 3.0 connectivity, HDMI interface, Express Card slot and are available with an integrated carrying handle.

Hit the PR after the break for more info.

Source(s)

http://www.techradar.com/news/world-of-tech/roundup/panasonic-launches-an-all-day-rugged-notebook-1087679

http://business.panasonic.co.uk/computer-product/products-and-accessories/introducing-the-full-toughbook-range/fully-ruggedized-toughbooks/cf-31

http://business.panasonic.co.uk/computer-product/products-and-accessories/introducing-the-full-toughbook-range/semi-ruggedized-notebooks/cf-53

+ Show Press Release

Press Release

Performance enhancing technology

BRACKNELL, UK. 28 JUNE 2012

Panasonic today announced the latest technology and feature updates to its flagship rugged notebook with the launch of the latest generation Toughbook CF-31 and its market leading semi-rugged notebook, the Toughbook CF-53, which offers mobile workers enhanced performance and flexibility

Latest Toughbook CF-31mk3 delivers up to 21 hours* of battery life

The Toughbook CF-31mk3, available in two different models (Standard and Performance), offers increased computing power, longer battery life and a range of enhanced management functionality and connectivity.

Designed to access applications and data in the most extreme mobile computing environments, the CF-31 has become the fully rugged device of choice for utilities, emergency services and public safety. Whether working in adverse weather, wet conditions or a cramped work environment, the Toughbook CF-31 ensures that workers perform to their optimum at all times.

Increased performance

Specifically designed for field-based professionals who need advanced graphic performance or access to mapping applications, the new Toughbook CF-31 Performance Model offers the ultimate combination of graphics delivery and supreme ruggedness. Powered by the 3rd generation Intel® Core™ i5-3360M vPro™ processor (2.8GHz, up to 3.5GHz with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology) with AMD Radeon™ HD 7750M switchable graphics, the top of the range performance model can switch between enhanced and integrated Intel® HD 4000 graphics performance to save power when on the move. The Standard Model uses the performance Intel® Core™ i5-3320M vPro™ (2.6GHz, up to 3.3GHz with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology) with Intel® HD 4000 graphics.

As well as the new CPU, the CF-31 is also equipped with a low voltage DDR3L RAM module, using less power for more efficiency and a longer battery life. Hard Disk Drive capacity has been raised from 320GB to 500GB with 128GB or 256GB SSD options available.

The power to last

The latest Panasonic and Intel efficiencies combine to ensure the battery life of the Toughbook CF-31 has been extended by an hour, allowing mobile workers to work for up to 14.5 hours (MobileMarkTM 2007, 60cd/m²) running on Windows® 7 without a recharge. In addition, the CF-31 allows for an optional secondary battery pack to be attached via the multimedia bay in the Standard Model. This addition allows users to hot swap the main battery, ensuring the unit can be operated around the clock by revolving the batteries or simply extending the battery life of the unit by up to 6.5 hours* to a total of 21 hours*.

Screen visibility even in direct sunlight

The ability to see data and applications on screen in bright sunlight is essential for field workers. The CF-31 uses Panasonic’s Circular Polarizing technology to deliver market leading clarity with brightness displays of 1.200cd/m² and a very low reflection ratio on its touchscreen, 13.1” XGA display. The CF-31 also contains a floating mounted LCD design to protect from screen shocks.

Better than ever reliability and durability

With magnesium alloy casing, inside and outside, and Panasonic’s anti-scratch coating, the CF-31 remains the toughest Toughbook to date. It is MIL-STD drop tested and has water, dust, vibration and temperature protection giving it an impressive IP65, MIL STD 810G rating.

With HDD damping and rugged casing systems to optimise drop protection and an HDD heater and Panasonic’s foam packing system to provide flexible seals, the CF-31 can operate in even the harshest conditions.

The CF-31 is equipped with a Hybrid Cooling System combining passive and active cooling process to realize fanless concealed mode and water-resistant fan achieving water-splash protection and high-speed process in respectively. In the passive process heat is distributed by pipes from heat critical areas to the cooling hub.

Flexibility to configure

Adapting to fast changing circumstances is also an essential capability for a field device. The CF-31 comes with standard interfaces like 4 USB ports (USB 3.0 x 1, USB 2.0 x 3), HDMI and a serial port. Additionally the CF-31 offers a built-in configuration slot which can be equipped with a 2nd LAN, FireWire or modem port on project basis.

Other options like Smart Card Reader, Fingerprint Reader, GPS and webcam are also available.

For Public Safety purposes, the CF-31 also comes with an enhanced Concealed Mode for use in mission critical environments. Using this feature, the Toughbook can go into “concealed mode” at the touch of a button by disabling the fan, backlight, status LED’s, speakers and communication (3G, W-LAN, Bluetooth) as specified.

Performance and flexibility focus of Toughbook CF-53 upgrades

Panasonic today also announced major updates to its flagship semi-rugged notebook line, the Toughbook CF-53, offering mobile workers enhanced performance and flexibility. Panasonic and the 3rd generation Intel® Core™ technology have combined to deliver a semi-rugged notebook with improved CPU and graphic performance and a one-hour extended battery life.

Ideal for light field working duties and business road warriors, the Toughbook CF-53 is the notebook for desktop-like performance, all day battery life and the ability to take knocks and spills that leave conventional business notebooks for dead.

The new Toughbook CF-53 includes the 3rd generation Intel® Core™ i5 Processor & Chipset. The high performance Intel® Core™ i5-3320M vPro™ (2.6GHz, up to 3.3GHz with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology) standard voltage processor with Intel® HD 4000 graphics, ensures the device is capable of handling the most intensive applications.

As well as the new CPU, the CF-53 is also equipped with a low voltage DDR3L RAM module, using less power for more efficiency and a longer battery life. Hard Disk Drive capacity has been raised from 320GB to 500GB with 128GB, 256GB and 512GB SSD options available.

The latest Panasonic and Intel® efficiencies combine to ensure the battery life of the Toughbook CF-53 has been extended by an hour, allowing mobile workers to work for up to 11 hours running on Windows® 7 without a recharge.

An optional high capacity “road warrior” 9 cell / 87Wh battery can be chosen to ensure mobile workers can use the device all day long without recharge.

Listening to customer requests, Panasonic has also added dedicated GPS and RFID options to the latest model. The GPS module is ideal for field workers who want to use GIS mapping applications to locate infrastructure assets in the field. The RFID option provides users with increased security options for accessing their device using two-factor authentication via contactless smartcards and pin.

Better than ever reliability and durability

The Toughbook CF-53, with its in-built special carry handle, maintains all of the semi-rugged design features making it ideal for SOHO and SME business users or mobile workforces. With Toughbook’s durable features and semi-rugged product design, the CF-53 meets military standard criteria, meaning it can withstand drops of 76cm, vibration and even freezing temperature with optional heater-equipped HDD. The Toughbook CF-53 can easily handle the knocks and scrapes of everyday field working or road warrior life due to its magnesium casing, precision steel hinges and flexible mounted Tough-cushioned key components such as display, hard disk drive and water protected keyboard.

In addition to the Standard Model, the CF-53 has two additional varieties.

CF-53 Touchscreen

The Toughbook CF-53 Touchscreen model has been designed for people requiring a touch screen interface working outdoors in bright sunlight; utilizing a high brightness touch screen (up to 1.000nit) with circular polarizer to minimize sunlight reflection.

CF-53 Automotive

The Toughbook CF-53 Automotive model has been designed to be used as a versatile tool for automotive research and development or workshop environments. With its optimized ports and double PC card slot the device can be customized to meet the requirements of technicians in many different roles.

Both Toughbook benefit from the latest Bluetooth® connection for mobile workers

Both new Toughbook includes the latest Bluetooth® 4.0 Smart Ready technology to connect mobile workers faster and more efficiently. Bluetooth® 4.0 (class 1) is fully compatible with Bluetooth® 2.1. Bluetooth® 4.0 Low Energy provides quick connection set-up and improved power consumption.

In addition, both Toughbook come equipped with SuperSpeed USB 3.0 ports, enabling data transfer rates up to 10 times faster than Hi-Speed USB 2.0.

Both devices also continue to offer an optional Ericsson F5521gw HSPA+ (DL: 21 Mbps) module with wireless ready connection manager. It includes a dedicated wireless switch allowing users to switch connections on and off to improve operating time. Available upon request, the device can also be switched into Anti-Theft-Protection mode by choosing the latest Intel® AT technology.

Increased management functionality

The Management Dashboard for Panasonic PC is included in the CF-31 and CF-53 Touchscreen model and designed to simply and conveniently customize the Toughbook to the user’s preferred settings, providing a user-friendly quick launch interface. The Dashboard also allows easy management of the device using helpful tools, such as the popular Panasonic Power Plan extension Utility and PC Information Viewer utility.

Compatibility that counts

To ensure existing customers can continue to use the peripheral equipment, both devices remain compatible with almost all previous peripherals such as docking stations and batteries in order to provide long term product lifecycle stability.

Backed by outstanding service
Every Toughbook comes with a 3-year warranty covering hardware failures for systems used as designed; with a 96-hour repair commitment and a 5-year spare parts guarantee.