Panasonic launches four new Toughbooks

Panasonic is getting funky-fresh on everyone today with word of a new lineup of Toughbooks making their way out to store shelves. The company is launching four different models of the hard-as-nails laptops (W7, T7, R7, Y7), all of which are based on Intel's Santa Rosa chipset. The new over-performers are said to be able to withstand a 76-centimeter drop (about desk height) while switched on and continue working, versus the previous model's 30-centimeter rating (which applied only when turned off). The Toughbooks also have an "irrigation system" for the keyboard which can route water away from important bits to a "drain" at the base of the computer. Keep reading after the break to see a rundown of all the new models and specs.

[Via Impress]

• W7: 12.1-inch XGA display, Core 2 Duo 1.06GHz U7500 CPU, 1GB of RAM, 80GB hard drive, 802.11a/b/g, ¥250,000 ($2,169), available November 16th

• T7 (pictured): 12.1-inch XGA display, Core 2 Duo 1.06GHz U7500 CPU, 1GB of RAM, 80GB hard drive, 802.11a/b/g, ¥220,000 ($1,909), available October 19th

• R7: 10.4-inch XGA display, Core 2 Duo 1.06GHz U7500 CPU, 1GB of RAM, 80GB hard drive, 802.11a/b/g, ¥205,000 ($1,779), available October 19th

• R7 Premium Edition: 10.4-inch XGA display, Core 2 Duo 1.2GHz U7600 CPU, 1GB of RAM, 80GB hard drive, 802.11a/b/g, 205,000, available October 26th

• Y7: 14.1-inch SXGA+ display, Core 2 Duo 1.6GHz L7500, 1GB of RAM, 80GB hard drive, 802.11a/b/g, ¥270,000 ($2,343), available October 19th