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Panasonic gifts Toughbook CF-T8 and CF-52 with much-needed spec bump

We've witnessed Panasonic update its Toughbook C1 and H1 Field earlier in the year, but two of the line's long-standing stalwarts have been hobbling along on last year's latest and greatest for far too long. Today, all that changes. Panny announced that the Toughbook CF-52 and business-minded Toughbook CF-T8 were both seeing long-overdue refreshes today, with the former being equipped with a 2.53GHz Core i5 processor, 2GB of RAM on the baseline model and up to a 250GB shock-mounted hard drive with quick release. It's also packing WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1, internal 3G (from Gobi, so it rolls both ways) and a magnesium alloy case that's immune to basic bumps, bruises, shocks and splatters. As for the 12.1-inch CF-T8? That one's getting served a 1.6GHz Intel Core 2 CPU, Windows 7 Professional, Bluetooth 2.1 and a battery good for some eight hours of use. Both machines are available now across the pond, with special bundles including your own personal David Hasslehoff knockoff to parade around with for the day.

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Panasonic Upgrades Semi-Rugged Toughbook CF-52 And Business-Rugged Toughbook CF-T8 Tablet-Alternative With Increased Processor Speeds, Memory And Mobile Technology

UK. 4th May 2010 – Panasonic today announced upgrades to its Panasonic Toughbook® CF-52 semi-rugged notebook and the business-rugged Toughbook® CF-T8 tablet-alternative notebook computer, adding increased processor speeds, memory and Gobi mobile technology.

The Toughbook CF-52 now runs on the Intel® Core i5 (up to 2.53GHz) processor and includes 2GB RAM and up to a 250GB shock-mounted hard drive with quick release.

The upgraded Toughbook CF-52 also includes a range of new embedded wireless options, including Gobi™ 2000 mobile broadband technology from Qualcomm. Gobi 2000 simplifies multi-carrier wireless deployments for IT departments and allows a company's mobile workforce improved connectivity options while traveling at home or abroad and adds A-GPS capabilities for easy integration with mapping software. Additionally the device has been upgraded with the latest Intel® Wi-Fi chipset and Bluetooth® 2.1. The Toughbook CF-52 is designed so Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3G mobile broadband and, in the near future, WiMax modules can be optionally embedded into the same unit, permitting a high level of flexibility for mobile data access.

The Toughbook CF-52 has been drop and spill-tested and features a magnesium alloy case. For use in dark or low-light operating conditions, the touchscreen model also comes with an adjustable dual overhead keyboard light with four brightness levels allowing users to regulate the lighting to fit the environment.

The Toughbook CF-52 comes in three basic configurations.

Toughbook CF-T8 now with Microsoft Windows 7, improved processor and storage
The updated Toughbook CF-T8, designed for Walking Workers in areas such as healthcare sales or market research agents, now features a 1.6GHz Intel® Core™2 Processor with vPro™ technology (3MB L2 cache and 800MHz FSB) and a removable 250GB shock mounted flex-connect hard drive. Other improvements include the use of Microsoft Windows® 7 Professional (with XP downgrade option) and Bluetooth® 2.1. The device delivers up to 8 hours of battery life.

The Toughbook CF-T8 also includes optional integrated Gobi™ mobile broadband technology from Qualcomm Inc. that allows connections to high-speed mobile Internet services offered by leading network operators virtually anywhere in the world. Other wireless features include Intel® Wireless WiFi 802.11a/b/g/n and Bluetooth® 2.1.

Designed with input from "walking workers," the Toughbook CF-T8 features a 12.1" inch, anti-glare XGA touchscreen LCD, stylus, screen rotating software and convenient rubber hand strap for easy use.

Backed by outstanding service
Every Toughbook comes with a 3-year warranty covering hardware failures for systems used as designed; with a 96-hour repair commitment and a 5-year spare parts guarantee.

Availability
The upgraded Toughbook CF-52 and CF-T8 are available immediately.