Panasonic ToughBook CF-30 and CF-19 Announced -- Brightest Notebook Screens Ever

Panasonic has released a couple of new notebooks today, the ToughBook CF-19 is a convertible Tablet PC and the ToughBook CF-30 a clamshell notebook. Both devices feature a Core Duo processor, are MIL-SPEC certified. The CF-18 features a really bright 550 Nit screen and the CF-30 boasts a record breaking 1,000 Nit LCD option for easy outdoor viewing.

Panasonic CF-30

The ToughBook CF-30 comes with the following specifications:

• Intel® Core™ Duo Processor L2400 (2MB L2 cache), Processor speed 1.66GHz, 667MHz FSB
• 80GB or 60GB HDD, shock mounted and removable
• 512MB SDRAM (DDR2) standard, expandable to 4,096MB
• Multimedia Pocket will accept optional Combo or Multi Drive, or second battery
• Full Magnesium Alloy case with handle
• 13.3" 1024 x 768 (XGA) transmissive, daylight-readable TFT Active Matrix Color LCD with optional Touchscreen
• 1000 Nit (touchscreen models), 500 Nit LCD brightness (non-touchscreen models)
• Dimensions: 2.8”(H) x 11.9"(W) x 11.3"(D) (with handle)
• Weight: 8.2 lbs.
• Battery Life: 6 hours, depending on use conditions
• Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945ABG LAN Connection 802.11a/b/g, Bluetooth v2.0
• Optional integrated WWAN (EV-DO, HSDPA)
• Optional Integrated GPS receiver
• Security features include: Password Security: Supervisor, User, Hard-Disk Lock; Cable lock slot; Trusted Platform Module (TPM) v.1.2 security chip, optional finger print scanner, optional SmartCard reader
• Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional SP2
• 3-year limited warranty, parts & labor

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The CF-30 has a magnesium alloy case, sealed keyboard and ports and shock mounted screen and hard drive to provide for some serious notebook ruggedness. The daylight readable 1,000 nit (candelas per square meter, a measure of brightness)screen option is a tool used by law enforcement officials, first responders, armed forces, field service techs and other industry workers that have to work outside with a computer.

The CF-30 is resistant to dust and water at the IP54 (ingress protection) level. Meaning, a rain shower or dust storm won't stop you from working with this notebook outside -- it's not waterproof enough to go scuba diving with though.

The 1,000 nit level screen is the brightest offering in the industry today. It is also a touchscreen so you can easily use custom touchscreen enabled applications in vehicle-mounted environments or when having to walk around.

Wireless options abound, you can get WLAN, WWAN, GPS and Bluetooth integrated into the CF-30. The WWAN can be configured as either UMTS/HSPDA from Cingular Wireless or EV-DO to work with the Sprint or Verizon network.

All of these options will cost you a bit of change of course, the CF-30 is expected to start at $4,699 when it becomes available in December 2006. But if you want something that's indestructible and can be used outside in a winter storm, monsoon or dust storm -- you've found your notebook.

Panasonic CF-19

The ToughBook CF-19 comes with the following specifications:

• Intel® Core™ Duo Processor U2400 (2MB L2 cache), Processor speed 1.06GHz, 533MHz FSB
• 80GB HDD
• 512MB SDRAM standard, expandable to 4096MB
• Optional external USB Combo Drive
• Full Magnesium Alloy case with handle
• Touchscreen PC version: 10.4" 1024 x 768 (XGA) transmissive, daylight-readable TFT Active Matrix Color LCD
• Tablet PC version: 10.4" 1024 x 768 (XGA) transmissive, daylight-readable TFT Active Matrix Color LCD with Digitizer
• 550 Nit LCD brightness (470 Nit with touch screen) with new Low Reflection Screen Coating
• Dimensions: 1.9" (H) x 10.7" (W) x 8.5" (D)
• Weight: 5 lbs.
• Battery Life: 7 hours, depending on use conditions
• Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945ABG LAN Connection 802.11a/b/g, Bluetooth v2.0
• Optional integrated WWAN (EV-DO, HSDPA)
• Optional Integrated GPS receiver
• Security features include: 32-character Password Security: Supervisor, User; Cable lock slot; Trusted Platform Module (TPM) v.1.2 security chip, optional finger print scanner
• Touchscreen PC version: Genuine Windows: XP Professional SP2, Panasonic Handwriting, Software Keyboard, Display Rotation Tool
• Tablet PC version: Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005, Display Rotation Tool
• 3-year limited warranty, parts & labor

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The CF-19 has the same magnesium alloy case, sealed keyboard and ports and shock mounted screen and hard drive as the CF-30. The screen featured on the CF-19 registers at 550 nits of brightness, which is still excellent give the fact most notebooks you buy on the market today have between 150 and 250 nits of brightness.

Wireless options and MIL SPEC certifications for the CF-19 Tablet PC match those of the CF-30, so doodling and writing on a Tablet PC outside in a rainstorm is now doable.

About the Panasonic CF-18 and CF-29

The CF-30 will be replacing the CF-29 while the CF-19 is replaced by the CF-18. However, the good news is the new machines are backwardly compatible with all accessories such as vehicle mounting equipment. The Pentium M based CF-29 and CF-18 will continue to be sold through various retailers.