Panasonic Debuts Lightest Rugged Notebook With Integrated DVD/CD-RW Drive

July 22, 2003 -- Panasonic Computer Solutions Company today introduced the industry’s only under-three-pound ultra-portable uniting legendary Toughbook durability with an integrated high-performance DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive and the unprecedented processing prowess, wireless connectivity, and energy efficiency of Intel's advanced Centrino mobility platform.

"Consider the new Toughbook CF-W2 a reaffirmation of our determination to provide the highest attainable levels of performance, technological innovation, and durability throughout the entire Toughbook line," said Panasonic Computer Solutions Company president Rance Poehler. “The W2 is the lightest notebook in the industry with an integrated combo drive...and best part is that it is a Toughbook.”

"Adapting Centrino's architecture to this form factor has enabled us to offer advanced features previously available only in full-size notebooks with hot, heavy, ultra-capacity power cells," Poehler added. "I believe our customers will appreciate the job our engineers did integrating the DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive into W2 without taking any hit whatsoever in battery runtime, cooling efficiency, portability or ruggedization. Our engineering department worked very closely with Intel on the development of this product.

The CF-W2 was also engineered for maximum integration with Intel's state-of-the-art Centrino mobile technology.

“Enveloped in a high-style magnesium case with a shock mounted HD, Panasonic’s CF-W2 sets a new standard for lightweight, two spindle, and durability features. We are expecting a very high demand for this product,” comments Poehler.

Uncompromised Performance
The new W2 Toughbook is powered by 900MHz ultra-low-voltage Intel Pentium M CPUs with 1MB on-die L2 cache, 256MB PC2100 DDR RAM (expandable to 512MB) and a 40GB high-speed UDMA hard drive.

Advanced system and chipset architecture gives the W2 unparalleled performance in executing instruction sets, transitioning between operations and responding to component power demands.

Bright And Beautiful
The W2 employs the latest iteration of the revolutionary thin-glass display technology first introduced in the Toughbook CF-R1, a 12.1-inch XGA TFT active-matrix LCD almost 25 percent lighter than same-size conventional panels. The thin-glass display's compact light path and low-power, high-output backlight result in a class-leading brightness/battery drain ratio. Maximum resolution is 1024 x 768 pixels at 16M colors on the internal LCD and 1600 x 1200 pixels at 16M colors on an external monitor.

Wireless DVD Viewing And CD Burning
The Toughbook W-2’s integrated multi-speed, multi-format ComboDrive features 8x DVD-ROM, 6x CD-R, 4x CD-RW and 24x CD read performance in an industrial-grade .37-inch high package.

Toughbooks To The Bone
Durability is a primary consideration in the engineering of every Toughbook regardless of form factor and feature set. Hard drive and LCD shock-absorbers, reinforced screen case edges, stainless steel hinges and a bonded scuff-and-scratch-resistant outer coating round out the ruggedization package.

Wireless Access
Intel Centrino mobile technology communications enhancements include the Intel PRO/Wireless Network Connection 802.11b WLAN support and advanced encryption and security technology for Virtual Private Networks. In addition, a 56K V90 analog modem provides added communications capability.

Pricing and Configuration
Toughbook W2 CF-AWAZZKM Intel 900MHz ULV PentiumM CPU, Centrino system architecture, 12.1” XGA TFT Active-Matrix Display, 40GB HDD, 256MB RAM, internal DVD-ROM/CD-RW combo drive, 100BASE-TX/10 BASE-T wired LAN, 56K analog modem. Estimated Street Price: $ 2,250

Accessories
FDD CF-VFDU03W $179
Optional Battery CF-VZSU27U $233
256MB RAM CF-BAT0256U TBA

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

SOURCE Panasonic