Panasonic gets official with F8, T8, W8 ToughBooks

It's been nearly a year since Panasonic rolled out its 7-series ToughBooks, and it looks like they're now finally being shoved aside for some new and improved 8-series models -- namely, the F8, T8 and W8, which, among other things, each include Qualcomm's Gobi dual-3G chipset. At the top of the heap is the 14-inch F8 (pictured above), which boasts a more than adequate 2.26GHz Core 2 Duo processor, a ruggedized 160GB hard drive, a DVD drive and, yes, a handle, all in a surprisingly lightweight 3.7-pound package. The T8 and W8, on the other hand, take things down to the 12-inch form-factor, and each pack a low-voltage 1.2GHz Core 2 Duo processor along with mostly identical specs, with the notable exception of a touchscreen that's exclusive to the T8 and a DVD drive that's only available on the W8. Look for all three to roll out in November, with the F8 setting you back $2,499, and the T8 and W8 each running $2,099.

[Via Electronista]

[Mario @ Sep 25th 2008 3:14PM]

Makes toasted sandwiches too!

[High Ranks make you sterile @ Sep 26th 2008 12:38PM]

subliminal messages:
F8 T8 W8

FTW

[Alan @ Sep 25th 2008 3:25PM]

Mmmmm. I'm huckin fungry.

[Robot @ Sep 25th 2008 6:14PM]

F8 T8 W8 FTW!!!

[pwned88 @ Sep 25th 2008 3:18PM]

I always wanted a toughbook, then everytime I saw that idiotic round touchpad, i remembered why I never bought one. talk about square peg in a round hole.

[ChuChu @ Sep 25th 2008 3:42PM]

Have you ever used it? Makes scrolling up and down long documents/pages a breeze. I love that feature.

[Nate @ Sep 25th 2008 3:29PM]

I can't wait to see one of these next time I'm in the back of a police car.

[Almadi @ Sep 25th 2008 3:31PM]

Naked female ports, I don't see how this laptop is more secure. Its only as weak as its weakest feature.
One sandstorm and its done for.

[msalivar @ Sep 25th 2008 5:10PM]

You're right, clearly those uncovered ports completely negate the fact that you can stand on the thing, and drop it from table height. If you need more protection, you should be going for their full out ruggedized line, not the semi-ruggedized executive series.

[barry99705 @ Sep 26th 2008 11:33AM]

Actually these guys aren't the fully ruggedized models. Their drop height is only 1 foot. But you can still stand on them closed. These are more for the clumsy office worker and not the guy in the sand getting shot at.

[DiGiC @ Sep 25th 2008 3:33PM]

I wonder if the F8 is called that for a reason....

[TJ @ Sep 25th 2008 3:33PM]

November? I can't W8!

(sorry, couldn't resist...)

[meist3r @ Sep 25th 2008 3:41PM]

"ruggedized 160GB hard drive" ... if it's not SSD it's not rugged. Drop a "rugged" laptop with fully spinning drives from 5 feet onto concrete landing with it's corner first. I wanna see that boot up again, please. So far all the rugged laptops have been slightly more cushioned laptops. I want to see something truly indestructible before I ever believe "ruggedized" again.

[Skyride @ Sep 25th 2008 4:36PM]

I have personally tested a 6 series toughbook. Dropped it from a 1st story window onto concrete will running and it was fine.

That rugged for you?

[msalivar @ Sep 25th 2008 5:14PM]

Didn't you ever do an egg drop in school? The method you use to mount the hard drive has a great deal of effect, and the ability to spin down quickly when a fall is detected should keep the platters from spinning at the bottom end of your 5 foot drop scenario.

[gonintendo @ Sep 25th 2008 5:25PM]

toughbooks have accelerometers in the which deactivates all moving parts to prevent data loss when it senses a jerk. that coupled with the special mounts makes for an almost indestructible hdd

[mikepalmgren @ Sep 26th 2008 9:39AM]

It's the real deal, however these are ruggedized models, which are the least rugged of all Toughbooks. The fully rugged models are much more beefy and stand up to sandstorms, coffee spills, IED's, bullets, complete melting of a patrol car (yes I have actually turned one on after it was removed from a cop car that melted after a crash and the subsequent fire, the keyboard was basically shot, most of the screen didn't work well, but the data was there and I think they caught the guy by using the in-car video footage from the harddrive).

And yes the ports were completely melted, and the thing still worked, so there goes the theory that the weakest link will cause total failure.

This is the ultimate roadwarrior laptop, take it by the handle, throw it into the security bin and keep walking.

[barry99705 @ Sep 26th 2008 11:36AM]

I had an old (pentium 1) Itronix I threw down the hallway while it was running. It was still running when I picked it up.

[broli @ Sep 25th 2008 4:01PM]

2 grand for a waffle maker. Am I missing something here?

[christ @ Sep 25th 2008 6:42PM]

"the endurance of a Mexican luchador meets the sophisticated stylings of a 1996 HP officejet printer"

the first taste is free panasonic, if you want more catchy advertising slogans.. its going to cost you.

[boe @ Sep 25th 2008 6:42PM]

It doesn't just make sandwiches, you can make an omlette with leftovers, desserts for the kids, and corndogs in minutes!

[Natalie - Group MObile @ Oct 16th 2008 4:18PM]

The new 8 series by Panasonic features a lot of upgrades from the 7 series. Panasonic really set the bar with the new F8. If anyone is interested on more information on the F8 check out: http://www.groupmobile.com/product.asp/sku=3903/dept_id=/mf_id=1/Panasonic+Toughbook+F8+Business+Rugged+Laptop+(New-Shipping+in+December).html