The Toughbook line is fairly self-explanatory given its name, however, the beauty of achieving a reliable and ruggedized laptop is all in the details. Unveiled today, but not rolling out until June, the Toughbook 53 utilizes Intel's 2nd generation Core i5 and i3 CPU technology for a more modern and battery-efficient laptop (up to 10 hours, according to Panasonic).
Its chassis is made of magnesium alloy—a material that is more difficult to manipulate than plastic or aluminum. The 14-inch screen has a 1,366-by-768 resolution (720p) and Panasonic's technology has enabled the screen to be viewable in the great outdoors. The 2-800 nitt adjustable screen brightness undoubtedly also helps, however, this option is only available if you've selected to configure your model to have a touch screen. For the business-end users that use their car as their office, an optional 1.3-megapixel webcam can be installed above the screen along with a digital mic for video conferencing. Wireless connectivity options include 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi. Optional integrated 4G LTE, Bluetooth 2.1, Gobi2000 (3G broadband from Qualcomm), and dual-antenna pass-through are available for road warriors.
Security features include a fingerprint reader and a more advanced Smartcard reader for those with more sensitive material. An ExpressCard, SDXC, PC Card, HDMI, VGA, audio jacks, FireWire (optional), Ethernet, one USB 3.0, and 3 USB 2.0 are included to connect you to your media or peripherals. The hard drive spins at a slower 5,400rpm than the faster 7,200rpm to prevent damage during travel and accidental drops. If you're looking for that extra edge in performance, Panasonic also has a 128GB solid state drive (SSD) as an option.
The Toughbook 53's rugged features are the main contributors to its 5.6-pound weight. Panasonic has put the laptop through its own torture tests, dropping it on six sides from 30 inches. The keyboard is spill resistant and I was told you could use it in the shower, but not in the bath. So, if you're looking to test the Kramer shower lifestyle depicted in that Seinfeld episode, this computer will likely oblige.
The Toughbook 53 has a shock-mounted feature that allows it to be a more passenger-friendly carpooler; the vibrations across highway and "rugged terrain" will be less likely to damage your internal hardware. Covert operation users will appreciate the MIL-STD-810 tests Panasonic has put the Toughbook 53 through, including altitude (up to 15,000 ft), humidity, and dust.
The three-year warranty adds to its reliability (as this is the usual lifespan of laptops nowadays). The Intel Core i5-2520M goes on sale first in June, with a starting price of $1,899; the Intel Core i3-2310M model will be sold in August with a starting price of $1,599; and the touch version will be sold starting in July at the base price of $2,449 (only with Core i5 processor and 4-8GB of RAM). For those who want a larger screen, however, the 15.4-inch Toughbook 52 will still be sold with the upgraded to the current 2nd gen Intel Core i CPUs and discrete GPUs.
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