Panasonic Delivers World's Fastest Ruggedized Notebook PC

Panasonic Personal Computer Company announces the newest version of the renowned Toughbook 27 ruggedized notebook PC, which incorporates the Intel Pentium III 500MHz CPU.
"By offering PIII 500MHz speed, outdoor-viewable 12.1" active matrix color LCD with touchscreen, and integrated wireless and wired communications solutions, the new Toughbook 27 su IMAGEWIDTHebook PCs in performance and features," comments John Harris, Vice President of Marketing for Panasonic Personal Computer Company. "In keeping with our strategy of enhancing products to meet our customer's needs, we are introducing the most powerful ruggedized notebook PC on the market," further notes Harris.

Unmatched Functionality and Performance
The new Toughbook 27 integrates Panasonic's legendary ruggedized design with an unrivaled feature set: Intel Pentium III 500MHz processor, 512KB pipeline burst L2 cache, 64MB RAM standard, 2.5MB VRAM, and a shock-insulated 10GB hard disk drive. Also available are multiple storage device options including a DVD-ROM Drive, 24x (max) CD-ROM Drive, LS-120 "SuperDisk" Drive, and HDD options up to 20GB. No other ruggedized notebook PC on the market approaches the combination of availability, reliability and performance offered by the Toughbook 27.

The Toughbook 27's features include:

• Intel Pentium III Processor 500MHz
• 10GB removable HDD encased in shock-absorbing gel and stainless steel case
• 64MB EDO RAM, expandable to 192MB
• 512KB L2 Pipeline Burst L2 Cache
• 12.1" TFT Active Matrix Color LCD, 800 x 600 SVGA resolution
• NeoMagic NM2200 Video Controller, 2.5MB VRAM
• 56Kbps Internal Modem
• Enhanced Pressure-Sensitive Touchpad, Signature Capture Support
• 2 Type II or 1 Type III PC Card slots with ZV Port & CardBus Support
• Dimensions & Weight: 2.6"(H) x 9.7"(D) x 11.9"(W), 8 lbs.
• Microsoft Windows 98 Operating System

Panasonic anti-reflective LCD technology for outdoor computing
Panasonic's new "DayBrite ARX" LCD, which uses sophisticated anti-reflective filter technology combined with a brilliant TFT color display, dramatically reduces light reflection while providing excellent readability even in bright sunlight and outdoor environments. "Offering true TFT active matrix color performance, the Toughbook 27 display is far superior to so-called "sunlight-readable" screen technology, which gives inferior results when the angle of light striking the screen is not ideal," further notes Harris.

Wired & Wireless Communications Solutions
The Toughbook 27 supports the most popular nationwide wireless communications networks used today: DataTAC (Motient(SM) Network), Mobitex (BellSouth(R)), and CDPD. Using a fully integrated, internally-powered modem together with a unique retractable antenna, the wireless capabilities of the Toughbook 27 open new opportunities for field service, dispatch, remote networking and many other applications. For user convenience, wireless capability can be integrated from initial delivery or easily upgraded at a later date. The new Toughbook 27 also features an internal 56Kbps modem for wired communications.

The De Facto Standard in Ruggedized Protection

The Toughbook 27 ruggedized features include:

• Full Magnesium Alloy case, with 20 times the tensile strength of ABS plastics used in other notebook PCs
• Removable die-cast aluminum carry handle
• LCD is mounted in an anti-torsion, water-resistant magnesium frame, and protected by an overlay panel
• Removable shock-mounted HDD is enclosed in stainless steel case
• Water resistant keyboard and touchpad prevent water from entering internal circuitry
• Dust-proof hinges, flexible internal connectors and sealed port and jack covers
• Designed using MIL-STD 810E test procedures, including drop shock, vibration, dust and moisture

Toughbook 27 Pricing & Configurations:

Model CF-27LBAGHEM: Intel Pentium III Processor 500MHz, 512KB Pipeline Burst L2 Cache, 10GB HDD, 64MB RAM, 12.1" 800 x 600 Active Matrix Color LCD with anti-reflective technology, touchscreen, Windows 98; Estimated Street Price: $ 4,799.00.

Information on Panasonic's full line of notebook PCs for the mobile professional can be obtained by calling 800 662 3537 or visiting www.panasonic.com/toughbook