Panasonic Toughbook 52 Semi-Rugged Notebook Gains Touchscreen, Stylus Holder

Panasonic have announced a series of updates to its rugged and semi-rugged UMPC’s of late and now the Toughbook 52 semi-Rugged Notebook has received a shot in the arm thanks to being kitted out with optional 13.3″ XGA touchscreen functionality (offering an anti-glare and anti-reflective sunlight readable screen) and a stylus holder (and, let’s face it, what discerning semi-rugged notebook worth its salt could possibly be without the latter?).

‘The new touchscreen Toughbook 52 is designed to meet the growing need for touchscreen laptops…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.’ said Kyp Walls, director, product management, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company who introduced their new, updated Toughbook 52 Semi-Rugged notebook.

Panasonic Toughbook 52 Semi-Rugged Notebook Key Features (including options):

• Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 2.4GHz / Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 2.26GHz / Intel Centrino 2 with vPro technology
• 3MB L2 Cache
• 1066 MHz FSB
• 15.4? widescreen 1920 x 1200 WUXGA LCD/ 15.4? widescreen 1280 x 800 WXGA LCD / Optional 13.3? 1024 x 768 XGA sunlight-viewable 1000 nit touchscreen LCD (with integrated stylus holder & adjustable dual overhead keyboard light)
• ATI Radeon HD 3650, 512MB dedicated VRAM / Intel GM45 (GMA 4500MHD video controller), max. 797MB UMA VRAM on Vista
• 2-4GB DDR2 RAM
• 160GB Hard Drive (shock-mounted with quick-release)
• Anti-glare, anti-reflective screen treatments
• Optional integrated GobiTM 3G global mobile Internet (WWAN)
• Intel Wireless WiFi Link 5100 802.11a/b/g/draft-n
• Bluetooth v2.0 + EDR (Class 1) – optional on models with P8400 CPU
• Battery operation: approximately 4 hours (P8600 CPU), 7 hours (P8400 CPU), 8 hours (touchscreen)
• 3-year limited warranty, parts and labor
• 7.5 lbs. (7.9 lbs. with optional touchscreen)

The Panasonic Toughbook 52 Semi-Rugged Notebook’s pricing starts from around $1700 and runs through to around $2550 depending on desired options/specifications.