Toughbooks have been pulled from car fires, blown up and stopped bullets. Their outer strength is derived from magnesium shells; Panasonic says they are 20x stronger than the typical plastic laptop case.

After the design comes the testing, where only the fittest prototypes and models survive. Fittingly, the slogan of the Kobe plant is "Productive Destruction." Toughbooks are put through a battery of tests under MIL-STD-810F. Here are some of the highlights of the super rugged laptop testing:

Drop Test
Also known as the "Transit Drop Test," this procedure involves dropping the powered-down machine from three feet onto each face, edge and corner a total of 26 times. The computers are dropped onto two-inch plywood placed over a steel plate on top of concrete—the triumvirate of hard everyday surfaces. Visual checks and a Windows boot-up are done after each test.

Water Resistance
The Toughbook is placed in a water spray chamber for 12 straight hours, powered on but with its ports closed tight. Afterwards comes an inspection for water "intrusion."

Thermal Shock and Temperature
When shut down, the computer is subjected to three cycles of massive temperature swings, from a balmy 205º F to a chilly -60º F. Separately, Toughbooks are turned on, and tested actually operating at temperatures ranging from -4ºF to 140º F. For these tests, Panasonic uses special environmental chambers made by a company called Espec. (Hopefully they don't also build saunas.)

Altitude
With the help of an outside firm, Toughbooks are tested to see if they withstand the most challenging air pressure conditions that could be encountered in military aircraft.

Humidity
This test takes 10 whole days to complete. Toughbooks are placed in a chamber with extreme jungle-like humidity at temperatures fluctuating between hot (86ºF) and impossibly hot (140ºF).

Dust Resistance
Superfine silica flour is applied to the machines in a 140º F environment at a facility in Yokohama; this punishment goes on for 8 hours while the laptops are turned on. They pass the test if moving parts don't bind or become blocked, and relays and contacts continue to operate properly.

Vibration
Toughbooks are clamped to aluminum plates that simulate the mounting in vehicles, and then are subjected to various intensities of vibration while turned off and on. When on, the HDD also spins.

Hinge Durability
In a test you can easily envision, Toughbooks are put through 30,000 cycles of open-and-close-and-open-and-close, testing hinge sturdiness.

Keyboard
Nasty-looking typing machines pound Toughbook keyboards through their paces, testing them to withstand 25 million keystrokes. (Wonder how long they have to type before complete works of Shakespeare appear...)

Spills
Toughbooks are tested for their ability to fend off spills, one of the more common assaults to a laptop. Mil-spec requires them to withstand more than 6 ounces (200 cc) of... whatever.

Compression
At the development stage, Toughbook covers and bases are squeezed super hard, tested to withstand over 980N (100kgf) of pressure.

Electromagnetic Interference
During development, electromagnetic wave testing is performed in the plant's 10m radio-frequency anechoic chamber, used to check conformity with CISPR and FCC electromagnetic regulations.

Although not to the level of the mil-spec lines, whose testing is detailed above, Panasonic's business-rugged models—the kind our Benny Goldman tested in his own, uh, laboratory—are dropped from 3 feet, pelted with dust, doused with 6 ounces of liquid (half a can of Coke), squeezed, pounded on the keyboard, stretched open for hinge reliability, and shocked with an electrostatic discharge. Notebooks also go on racks at the Kobe factory, and are given massages. Using Panasonic-branded handheld massagers (what else?) testers check for vibration resistance as part of an "aging" process. The vibe simulates shaking during shipping.

The plant was established in June 1990 and began PC production in August 1991, now turning out an average of 2,500 to 3,000 Toughbooks a day. In 2007 production hit 660,000 units—Panasonic plans to ramp up output to 800,000 units this year and then 1 million units by 2010. The plant can turn out Toughbooks in up to 2,000 variations of memory, hard disk, LCD panel, software and shiny magnesium-alloy shell, in 10 different colors. Repairs are also carried out on-site 365 days a year.

A Matsushita warehouse in nearby Osaka holds $14 million dollars worth of components, about 2.2 million pieces in 60,000 varieties. The warehouse operates under a system it calls "5S" for five words in Japanese: seiri (arrangement), seiton (tidy), seisou (cleaning), seiketsu (cleanliness), and shitsuke (discipline). Like the factory, which requires all visitors to remove their shoes and don slippers as in a Japanese home, it's spotless.

Panasonic Unveils the HANDHELD Toughbook CF-U1, a Rugged Ultra mobile PC for FIELD WORKERS IN EXTREME Environments

Manufacturer of award-winning Toughbook® notebook computers introduces the first rugged UMPC equipped with the Intel® Atom™ processor; Reinvention of handheld computing pushes the benefits of enterprise mobile and wireless technology to new frontiers

Secaucus, NJ, June 25, 2008 – In response to the increasing demand for full-function handheld PCs for the mobile field worker, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company, manufacturer of durable, reliable Panasonic Toughbook® mobile computers, today announced the availability of the Panasonic Toughbook CF-U1, the first ultra mobile PC (UMPC) to integrate the new low power Intel® Atom™ processor in a rugged handheld computer for use in the field. With the introduction of the extremely portable Toughbook CF-U1, remote workers are able to connect to critical information and applications in real time, thus improving organizational efficiency, increasing information accuracy, and enabling field-based decision-making. The CF-U1 reinvents handheld computing by integrating robust features previously only available on a full size Toughbook PC in a rugged UMPC form factor that can be used anywhere.

“Panasonic has always been at the forefront of making mobile computing technologies work for users in all conditions,” said Rance M. Poehler, president, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company. “We were the first to deliver rugged notebooks in a standard form factor, the first to create a rugged convertible tablet and we have made incredible leaps in mission-critical business computing with our innovations in semi-rugged desktop replacement and sub-notebook technologies. The ultra mobile rugged U1 is another example of how we take advances in mobile technology and make them reliable advances—with new product categories designed for users on the frontiers of mobility where value is truly driven for organizations.”

Customer Input Critical to Product Development
“Panasonic builds the new Toughbook CF-U1, but our customers designed it,” said Kyp Walls, director of product management, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company. “The form and functionality is a direct result of more than two years of feedback we solicited from an array of government and commercial organizations seeking to address the needs of a broad range of mobile users. We’ve responded with a highly portable and durable device that offers integrated features such as an LCD touchscreen, solid state drive as well as an optional fingerprint scanner for user authentication. Data capture is enabled using 1D and 2D barcode and RFID readers and a 2-megapixel digital camera. The Toughbook CF-U1 offers full-shift battery life, a sunlight viewable screen and seamless connectivity with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 3G-mobile-broadband internet connectivity, all within an extremely rugged package for maximum reliability.”

Intel® Atom™ Enables Feature-Rich Computing in Small Form Factors
Intel Atom processors pack an astounding 47 million transistors on a single chip smaller than a U.S. dime (measuring less than 25mm), making the Atom Intel's smallest and lowest power consuming processor. The Atom is designed specifically for small devices and features support for multiple threads for better performance and increased system responsiveness all while delivering longer battery life.

“The Intel Atom processor delivers high performance at dramatically low power while maintaining PC compatibility and enabling the best internet experience in small devices,” said Anand Chandrasekher, Intel senior vice president and general manager of the company’s Ultra Mobility Group. “Intel’s low power technologies, combined with Panasonic’s longstanding leadership in rugged PCs, are making it possible for mobile field workers to be more productive while reducing TCO for the IT manager.”

Engineered for the Walking Worker
Rugged UMPCs must be purpose-built and engineered for the environments in which they will likely be used. The Toughbook® CF-U1 will thrive in environments as diverse as construction sites, mining operations, oil and gas refineries, manufacturing facilities, railroad yards, city streets and storage warehouses. Further, the Toughbook CF-U1 is ideally suited for use by insurance adjusters, building inspectors, police officers, firefighters and other first responders. The Toughbook CF-U1 has several docking options that expand functionality whether in a vehicle, at a desk, or on the move.

“The entrance of the largest rugged notebook manufacturer onto the UMPC market is a key validation of the UMPC for enterprise applications,” said Venture Development Corporation analyst David Krebs. “VDC’s research validates that UMPCs will receive strong consideration for enterprise applications that require a balance of device portability and application richness and functionality that an x86 device with a full OS provides.”

Unlike most handhelds, the Toughbook CF-U1 operates on the full-function Windows® XP and Windows Vista® operating systems, giving users unprecedented remote access to feature-rich software applications in the field. The CF-U1 features a thumb-friendly and always-accessible backlit QWERTY keyboard that makes data input fast and easy. State-of-the-art Panasonic LCD technology enables sunlight viewability with low-power, white LED backlighting. Its fanless all-weather design also reduces noise, weight and eliminates points of failure; its twin, long-lasting, hot-swappable batteries enable battery replacement without disrupting operation; and its magnesium alloy chassis delivers protection from bumps and drops of up to 4 feet. The solid state drive contributes to reliability, while also expanding the CF-U1’s operating temperature range.

Wireless Options Offer Connectivity Virtually Anywhere
Throughout its history, Panasonic has been a leader in wireless technologies, recognizing the need for workers to be connected while on the move. Panasonic has more experience with embedded wireless solutions than any other manufacturer, providing customers with superior reliability, signal strength and throughput. The Toughbook CF-U1 offers seamless connectivity with:

* Optional integrated 3G mobile broadband for access anywhere with data coverage
* Draft-n compliant Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/draft-n) for faster speeds and greater range
* Integrated Bluetooth radios for simple connection to wireless peripherals
* Optional, next generation (SiRFstarIII based) GPS technology for improved accuracy, faster satellite acquisition time and lower power consumption.

Panasonic Toughbook® CF-U1: Select Features and Specifications

* Genuine Windows Vista® Business with Service Pack 1 (with XP downgrade option)
* Intel® Atom™ processor Z520 1.33GHz with 533MHz FSB, 512KB L2 cache
* 16GB solid state removable drive (32GB optional)
* 1GB memory
* 5.6” WSVGA sunlight viewable touchscreen (1024 x 600 resolution)
* Anti-reflective screen treatment
* LED backlighting
* Extremely rugged
o MIL-STD-810F and IP54 compliant
o 4 foot drop approved
o Magnesium alloy chassis encased with ABS and elastomer
o Removable solid state drive
o Sealed all-weather design
o Rain-, spill-, dust- and vibration-resistant
o Rotating hand strap
* Intel® Wireless WiFi Link 5100 Series (802.11a/g/draft-n)
* Bluetooth® v2.0 + EDR
* Interfaces:
o USB 2.0 x 1
o SD Card x 1
o Microphone x 1
o Headphone x 1
o Expansion Bus x 1
* Integrated options include 3G mobile broadband, integrated camera, fingerprint scanner, GPS, barcode or RFID readers
* Optional expansion modules for magnetic stripe reader & serial/ethernet/smartcard are expected in late 2008
* Approximately 9 hours of battery life
* 2.3 lbs (with strap and both batteries)
* 2.2” (H) x 7.2” (W) x 5.9” (D)

Panasonic Factory and Independent Quality Testing
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 Toughbook® unit built. The Rugged Panasonic Toughbook CF-U1 is MIL-STD-810F tested and is capable of withstanding shocks, vibration, humidity, altitude, temperature extremes and thermal shock, and is IP54 compliant for water-, rain- and dust-resistance.

Pricing and Availability
The Panasonic Toughbook CF-U1 UMPC will be available worldwide in August, 2008. In the United States, the base CF-U1 model is expected to be available at an estimated street price of $2,499 from authorized Panasonic resellers and distributors.

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 Toughbooks 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.

We didn't have the time, resources, or lack of shame to put some of your better ideas to work [See: here, here, and here], but we managed to try all of the choices in the poll. We cheated a bit on the puke, but our mix was pretty gross. The results—lucky for us—were inconclusive. Of the five liquids we put in the Toughbook, none made it explode or even slow down. After flushing the whole keyboard out with water, it wasn't even sticky the next day. So when it comes to the Y7 our answer to that Question of the Day is "none of the above." But please folks, don't try this at home. [Panasonic Toughbook]

[Thanks to Sam Mindel for the video help, and Communication Corporation for their song "Slimey"!!]

All three systems sport a 1.6GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, between 1GB and 2GB of RAM, Bluetooth, an SD card slot and a shock-mounted 80GB hard drive. They are all mobile broadband "ready," which means integrated antenna and Mini PCI slot for the wireless WAN card of your choice.

The Y7 has a 14.1" screen, weighs just 3.7lbs and can run for five hours on a single battery charge. The W7, with 12" screen, weighs just 3lbs even, and can make it seven hours on a charge. Both of those systems have DVD Super Multi Drive for massive multiple-format burning.

The T in T7 stands for "tablet," complete with touchscreen. The trade-off is there's no optical drive. The T7 weighs about 3.3 lbs, and can last the longest of them all, up to eight hours, on its battery. A hand strap on the T7 (shown in the gallery) means you can hang on tight, just in case you don't want to test the shock-proof claims.

In case you are interested in these tough little buggers, pricing is still a bit on the high side, but getting closer to earth: roughly $2,400 for the Y7, and around $2,100 for the W7 and T7. [Panasonic Toughbook]

PANASONIC INTRODUCES RELIABLE SEMI-RUGGED DESKTOP REPLACEMENT TOUGHBOOK NOTEBOOK WITH EMBEDDED NEXT GENERATION WIRELESS

Intel Santa Rosa-based Toughbook 52 is engineered to withstand the risks of mobility; entire line of reliable Panasonic® Toughbook® notebook computers now 3G wireless-ready

SECAUCUS, NJ, June 4, 2007 - Panasonic Computer Solutions Company, manufacturer of durable, reliable Panasonic Toughbook mobile computers, today introduced the newest member of its full product line, the semi-rugged, wireless-ready desktop replacement notebook, the Panasonic® Toughbook® 52. Built on the new Santa Rosa chipset from Intel, the Toughbook 52 offers all the processing power of a desktop replacement notebook in a form factor engineered from the ground up for mobility.

Building on the success of its predecessor, the Toughbook 51, and a substantial amount of customer input into the design process, this new widescreen semi-rugged Toughbook comes equipped with additional security features, a new carrying handle and optional embedded access to next-generation wireless data networks from major wireless carriers. In addition, the MIL-SPEC-certified notebook incorporates the durable design features—such as magnesium alloy cases, flexible internal connectors and shock-mounted hard drives and LCDs—that contribute to Panasonic's reputation for producing the most reliable notebooks available.

"In an increasingly wireless world, organizations large and small need to know that the tools they count on to stay connected and productive are up to the task of mobility. The semi-rugged desktop replacement Toughbook 52 is both a cost-effective and reliable mobile computing solution," said Rance Poehler, president, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company. "Our customers play a significant role in the development of Toughbook products. In this case, requests from a broad range of users, from the Department of Defense to some of the world's largest insurance companies, were heard loud and clear by Panasonic design engineers. The result is a semi-rugged notebook that has the power to run the most complex applications, yet is designed for double-duty as a mobile PC in support of all types of field operations."

"Durability and reliability can only be proven in terms of hardware failure rates," added Poehler. "Panasonic is the only computer manufacturer to routinely share failure rate information because we know that Toughbook notebooks are many times more reliable than the industry average. You can only achieve this kind of reliability by heavily investing in design, engineering, manufacturing and testing. And we back it all up with one of the industry's best warranties and US-based service and support."

Reliable Mobility and Wireless Connectivity

The Toughbook 52 is constructed of magnesium alloy and includes a shock-mounted screen and easily removable hard drive for extra physical data security. With battery life of approximately 4-6 hours, depending on use environment, the semi-rugged Toughbook is certified to the MIL-STD-810F standard, tested to withstand drops of up to 2.5 feet on all six sides. The hard drive itself is tested to withstand a drop of 3 feet. The Toughbook 52 also includes a spill-resistant keyboard.

Panasonic was a pioneer in the integration of next generation wireless solutions and is the only manufacturer to offer a complete portfolio of computing devices, from rugged to semi-rugged and business-rugged computers, engineered for optimized 3G wireless performance. All Toughbook notebooks incorporate a wireless-ready design that allows customers to initially purchase, or later upgrade to, embedded access to next-generation data networks, including UMTS/HSDPA-based solutions from Cingular Wireless and the EV-DO Rev. A networks of Sprint or Verizon. The Toughbook 52 will initially ship with optional embedded access to the EV-DO Rev. A. mobile broadband network of Verizon Wireless. Integrated WLAN and Bluetooth also ensure that users stay connected, wherever their work takes them.

Enhanced Security Features

To safeguard valuable data and enable customers to comply with increasing data security regulations, the new Toughbook 52 is equipped with the Trusted Platform Module (TPM v1.2) security chip, the Computrace software agent in BIOS and an optional fingerprint scanner and SmartCard reader.

Superior Warranty, Support and Professional Services

Every Panasonic Toughbook 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 provides customers 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 wireless-ready semi-rugged Toughbook 52 will be available in July 2007 in two configurations, standard (estimated street price of $1,699) or optimized for improved video and Vista-performance, including a faster CPU, 512MB dedicated VRAM and a larger 120GB hard drive (estimated street price of $2,499).

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 and at MicroCenters nationwide or the RCS Experience store in midtown Manhattan (Madison Avenue at 56th Street). Please visit www.panasonic.com/toughbook for more information.

Panasonic® Toughbook® CF-52 Semi-rugged, Wireless-Ready Desktop Replacement Notebook Computer: Select Features and Specifications

CF-52 (Optimized Configuration), Estimated Street Price: $2,499.00

CPU Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0G, T7300

Chipset PM965

Memory DDR2 1GB (Max.2GB+2GB)

LCD 15.4" WUXGA

Video AMD X2300

VRAM 512MB

HDD 120GB (SATA)

MP Multi-drive

I/O Serial, IEEE1394a, VGA, Giga LAN,

Modem, USB x4

Card PC Card x1, Express card x1, SD

Security TPM 1.2 / Smart Card (Op) / Finger Print (Op)

Wireless Wireless LAN 802.11abg

Bluetooth Ver. 2.0 + EDR (Std)

WWAN-Ready (Optional EV-DO or UMTS/HSDPA)

AC Adapter 120W

Battery 85W, 4 - 6 hours, depending on usage, environment

Dimensions 11.2" x 14.0" x 1.9"
Weight 6.9 lbs (w/handle)

CF-52 (Standard Configuration), Estimated Street Price: $1,649.00

CPU Intel Core 2 Duo 1.8G, T7100

Chipset GM965

Memory DDR2 1GB (Max.2GB+2GB)

LCD 15.4" WXGA

Video Intel Embedded

VRAM (UMA up to 384MB)

HDD 80GB (SATA)

MP Multi-drive

I/O Serial, IEEE1394a, VGA, Giga LAN,

Modem, USB x4, PC Card x1, Express card x1, SD

Security TPM 1.2 / Smart Card (Op) / Finger Print (Op)

Wireless Wireless LAN 802.11abg

Bluetooth Ver. 2.0 + EDR (Op)

WWAN-Ready (Optional EV-DO or UMTS/HSDPA)

AC Adaptor 120W

Battery 85W, 4 - 6 hours, depending on usage, environment

Dimensions 11.2" x 14.0" x 1.9"
Weight 6.9 lbs (w/handle)

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 fourteen 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 semi-rugged and 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 Toughbooks 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.

All this durability comes at a price, though: depending on configuration, you'll spend around $4000 for the 10.4" screen Toughbook-19, and around $4500 for a fully-equipped Toughbook-30 (pictured above) with its 13.3" screen. Still, it's probably worth it if you're taking your laptop along when you go bungee jumping. – Charlie White

More luminous TOUGHBOOKs! [Akihabara News]

Panasonic ToughBook

Panasonic ToughBook [Press Release]

Former Bond Girl in Laptop-lobbing Outrage [via The Register]

Panasonic ToughBook eLite W5

But despite their toughness and brightness, we hold no respect for 'em. Yeah, they have shock-mounted hard drives and we know how they can withstand the rain, but they're also bulky and pack last year's technology at this year's price. Still, if that's your thing, the new CF-30 ($4,699) and the CF-19 ($4,200) both pack Intel Core Duo processors along with a whopping 512MB of RAM each. –Louis Ramirez

[Panasonic ToughBook CF-30 and CF-19 Announced via Notebook Review]

To stretch battery life to 15 hours, the machine does the best it can with a Core Solo U1300 processor.

–Brian Lam

Panasonic Toughbook T5 [Crunchgear and What Laptop]

Here's some clean design from Panasonic, adding a trio of Toughbooks to its laptop portfolio, the CF-W5, the CF-T5, and CF-Y5. All three have magnesium alloy cases and shockproof drives that can take the kind of beating road warriors routinely dish out, but they're not exactly tough enough for military use like some hardened notebooks we've seen.

But then those military-grade laptops don't look as pretty as these Toughbooks. Check out the CF-W5 ($1899) pictured here with its 12.1-inch antiglare LCD. It weighs just 3.1 pounds and has a 60GB hard drive. Too bad there's just an Intel Core Solo processor inside. The CF-T5 has about the same size and price but has a swiveling touchscreen. The upside of that weak processor? Both of those laptops have tremendous battery life, working for eight to 10 hours on a charge. They'll ship in October.

The CF-Y5 has a larger 14.1-inch display and Bluetooth, with RAM expandable to 1.5GB. It's $2199 and will be available in December. – Charlie White

Panasonic Announces Three New Toughbooks [Laptop Magazine]

Product Page [via MobileWhack]

Best prices on Panasonic Toughbook notebooks [Shopping.com]