I plan to purchase a new laptop in the next few weeks and the Toughbook CF-74 is at the top of my list. This upgrade will probably ’seal the deal’ for me.

Panasonic today announced upgrades to its semi-rugged desktop replacement Toughbook CF-52 and mobile workhorse Toughbook CF-74.

Both the Toughbook CF-52 and Toughbook CF-74 now incorporate the new Intel(R) Centrino(R)
2 processor technology. In addition, video and graphics capabilities have been significantly enhanced, hard drive capacity has been increased to 160GB, and Wi-Fi performance expanded to include 802.11 Draft N.

“In addition to driving innovation in mobile computing, Panasonic also commits to our resellers and customers that we will help them manage image stability through measured product changes over time,” said Kyp Walls, director, product management, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company. “Both the Toughbook 74, which has been a workhorse for field forces since its initial launch in 2006, and the desktop replacement Toughbook 52, launched last year, are undergoing their first significant upgrades after a year of image stability. Through these measures, we help to achieve our dual aim of enhanced ROI and lowered total cost of ownership.”

Purpose-built with the mobile user in mind, both the 15.4″ widescreen semi-rugged Toughbook CF-52 and Toughbook CF-74 with its outdoor viewable 13.3″ display, incorporate a carrying handle and optional embedded access to mobile broadband networks from major wireless carriers. In addition, the drop- and spill-tested notebooks include the durable design features–such as magnesium alloy cases, flexible internal connectors, shock-mounted hard drives and LCDs and spill-resistant keyboards–that contribute to Panasonic’s reputation for producing the industry’s most reliable notebooks, with in-warranty reliability rates multiple times better than the estimated industry average for notebooks. In fact, more than 500 checks and tests are completed before, during and after production, on every Toughbook(R) unit built.

Superior Warranty, Support and Professional Services

Every Panasonic Toughbook notebook is sold with a standard three-year limited warranty which includes around-the-clock U.S.-based phone support for the entire life of the product. Panasonic customers enjoy an average call center hold time of less than one minute. 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 days. Panasonic also offers a full range of professional services, including image management, asset management and online service analysis, to support enterprise customers before, during and after deployment.

Pricing and Availability

The new Toughbook CF-52 is available In August in two configurations, value (estimated street price of $1,949) or premium for improved video and system performance (estimated street price of $2,849). The Toughbook CF-74 is available in August starting at an estimated street price of $3,199.

All Toughbook notebooks are customizable and available through authorized Panasonic Toughbook resellers nationwide, “buy now” resellers accessible online via www.panasonic.com/business/toughbook/purchase.asp. Please visit www.panasonic.com/toughbook for more information and complete system specifications.