Panasonic unveils multi-touch Toughbook

Buyers have a choice of multi-touch screens

Panasonic has announced a new addition to its range of Toughbook rugged portables in the shape of the Toughbook CF-C1, a lightweight model that can be used in clamshell or tablet modes and features a choice of multi-touch screens.

Available from July, the new Toughbook is aimed at mobile workers such as healthcare staff, market researchers and others who need to enter data in different ways, and comes with an ergonomic strap that enables users to key in information with one hand, according to Panasonic.

One unusual feature is a choice of displays. The base configuration features a multi-touch and digitiser screen that supports input by fingertip or stylus, but an optional multi-touch resistive screen supports touch input even when the user is wearing gloves. The latter version is set to be available from September.

"The new convertible Toughbook CF-C1 is a business-ruggedised solution designed for the modern mobile workforce," said Stephen Yeo, marketing director at Panasonic Computer Products Europe.

"It's as suited to customer presentations as it is to everyday mobile computing where speed, battery power and data input flexibility are of the essence."

The Toughbook CF-C1 is based on Intel's 2.4GHz Core i5-520M processor, with 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, 3G mobile broadband and Bluetooth.

In terms of ruggedness, the CF-C1 has a spill-resistant keyboard, and will survive being dropped from a height of up to 76cm while operating, with no risk of damage, according to Panasonic.

It weighs in at 1.47kg with a standard four-cell battery, rising to 1.69kg when fitted with a hot-swap twin battery that offers a claimed 10 hours of battery life. Pricing is expected to start at about £1,800.