SECAUCUS, N.J.--Panasonic Computer Solutions Company, the leading provider of durable, reliable wireless mobile PCs, today introduced two new rugged Panasonic® Toughbook® computers: The CF-19 convertible tablet PC, and the flagship CF-30 clamshell notebook.

Building on the success of the CF-18 tablet and CF-29 notebook, these new Toughbooks come equipped with Intel Core Duo processors, additional security features, and optional embedded access to next-generation wireless data networks from all major cellular wireless carriers. In addition, these MIL-SPEC-certified notebooks incorporate daylight-readable screens and the rugged features—such as magnesium alloy cases, sealed keyboards and ports, flexible internal connectors and shock-mounting—that ultimately deliver the highest levels of reliability in the industry.

Panasonic is delivering the brightest displays available today, without compromising battery life. The CF-19 features a bright 550 Nit (candelas per square meter, a measure of brightness) screen with a new low-reflection coating and the CF-30 boasts an industry-leading 1,000 Nit LCD, delivering the brightness of a fixed mount display in a portable computer. The CF-30 is the first mobile notebook to achieve this milestone in screen brightness that is critical for law enforcement, first responders, members of the armed forces, field service technicians and mobile workers in all industries who are required to use computers in direct sunlight.

The new CF-19 and CF-30 Toughbook® computers also feature backwards compatibility with existing vehicle mount solutions for previous generation Toughbooks (the CF-18 and CF-29), protecting the investments of existing Toughbook owners and easing their upgrade process.

“These next generation Toughbooks are the result of close collaboration between our R&D labs, engineering teams, Panasonic component divisions and, most importantly, our customers, who depend upon us to meet the needs of their business by supplying mobile devices they can rely on and trust,” said Rance Poehler, president, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company. “Our Customers have asked us for brighter displays that can be used in any environment. Delivering a 1,000 NIT screen is a major accomplishment for Panasonic’s engineers, who are unparalleled in their ability to strike a balance between form and function in rugged devices. This is clearly the brightest LCD in any battery powered computer in the Industry today and another first for Panasonic.”

Added Poehler, “We will continue to push ourselves to deliver increased CPU power, integration of next-generation wireless, security enhancements and ever-increasing battery life to meet the needs of users in extreme environments—from war fighters to field technicians.”

Rugged, Reliable, Wireless

Both the CF-30 notebook PC and CF-19 convertible tablet are constructed of magnesium alloy and include shock-mounted screens and hard drives. With battery life of approximately 6 hours, these units are certified to the MIL-STD-810F standard, tested to withstand drops, shocks, vibration and extremes in temperature. In addition, they are sealed and rated at IP54 (ingress protection) level for water and dust resistance. Other certifications, such as UL1604 Class 1 / Div. 2, help ensure that these units perform safely and reliably in tough conditions. Touch screens allow for ease of use in vehicle-mounted environments and with applications commonly used in field environments. Multiple wireless options—WLAN, WWAN, GPS and Bluetooth—ensure that users stay connected and easily located.

“Any organization whose mobile workers need to access or transmit information in mission-critical or field environments should strongly consider deploying rugged mobile computers,” said David Krebs, analyst, Venture Development Corporation. “Devices such as Panasonic Toughbooks are engineered to be reliable and maintain connectivity. Our research indicates that in many user environments the total cost of ownership of a rugged mobile computer is actually substantially lower than that of a non-rugged or commercial-grade computer.”

Leadership in Wireless Integration

Panasonic is an established leader in the integration of next generation wireless solutions and the only manufacturer to offer a complete portfolio of wireless computing devices, from rugged to semi-rugged and business-rugged computers. The new CF-19 and CF-30 rugged Toughbook® models incorporate a “wireless-ready” design that allows users to purchase, or upgrade to, embedded access to next-generation data networks from all major wireless carriers. The notebooks will ship with optional integrated radio modems to access UMTS/HSDPA-based solutions from Cingular Wireless and the EV-DO networks of Sprint or Verizon. Also, thanks to improvements in global positioning system (GPS) technology, the CF-19 and CF-30 feature significantly improved GPS accuracy. This capability will benefit all users, whether they are navigating to their next assignment or coordinating the efforts of field personnel.

Enhanced Security Features

To safeguard valuable data and enable customers to comply with increasing data security regulations, the new Toughbooks are as secure as they are rugged. Both the CF-30 notebook and CF-19 convertible tablet are equipped with a cable lock slot, Trusted Platform Module (TPM v1.2) security chip, and feature optional fingerprint scanner. The CF-30 can also be configured with an optional SmartCard reader.

Superior Warranty, Support and Professional Services

Every Panasonic Toughbook is sold with a standard three-year limited warranty and access to 24/7/365 U.S.-based phone support for the entire life of the product. Panasonic boasts an average call center hold time of less than one minute. In addition, in the unlikely event of a hardware-related failure, Panasonic covers the cost of overnight shipping to and from its national service center. The average turnaround time for repairs is under two days. Panasonic also offers a full range of professional services to support enterprise customers before and after deployment.

Pricing and Availability

Both of the new “wireless ready” Toughbooks will be available in December 2006. The base model CF-30 will be available at an estimated street price of $4,699.00. The estimated street price for a base model Panasonic Toughbook CF-19 will be $4,199.00. These and other Toughbooks are available exclusively through authorized Panasonic Toughbook resellers nationwide. Please visit Panasonic Toughbook for more information.

Features and Specifications

Panasonic Toughbook CF-30 Notebook Computer: Select Features and Specifications

Intel® Core™ Duo Processor L2400 (2MB L2 cache), Processor speed 1.66GHz, 667MHz FSB
80GB or 60GB HDD, shock mounted and removable
512MB SDRAM (DDR2) standard, expandable to 4,096MB
Multimedia Pocket will accept optional Combo or Multi Drive, or second battery
Full Magnesium Alloy case with handle
13.3" 1024 x 768 (XGA) transmissive, daylight-readable TFT Active Matrix Color LCD with optional Touchscreen
1000 Nit (touchscreen models), 500 Nit LCD brightness (non-touchscreen models)
Dimensions: 2.8”(H) x 11.9"(W) x 11.3"(D) (with handle)
Weight: 8.2 lbs.
Battery Life: 6 hours, depending on use conditions
Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945ABG LAN Connection 802.11a/b/g, Bluetooth v2.0
Optional integrated WWAN (EV-DO, HSDPA)
Optional Integrated GPS receiver
Security features include: Password Security: Supervisor, User, Hard-Disk Lock; Cable lock slot; Trusted Platform Module (TPM) v.1.2 security chip, optional finger print scanner, optional SmartCard reader
Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional SP2
3-year limited warranty, parts & labor
Panasonic Toughbook CF-19 Convertible Tablet PC: Select Features and Specifications

Intel® Core™ Duo Processor U2400 (2MB L2 cache), Processor speed 1.06GHz, 533MHz FSB
80GB HDD
512MB SDRAM standard, expandable to 4096MB
Optional external USB Combo Drive
Full Magnesium Alloy case with handle
Touchscreen PC version: 10.4" 1024 x 768 (XGA) transmissive, daylight-readable TFT Active Matrix Color LCD
Tablet PC version: 10.4" 1024 x 768 (XGA) transmissive, daylight-readable TFT Active Matrix Color LCD with Digitizer
550 Nit LCD brightness (470 Nit with touch screen) with new Low Reflection Screen Coating
Dimensions: 1.9" (H) x 10.7" (W) x 8.5" (D)
Weight: 5 lbs.
Battery Life: 7 hours, depending on use conditions
Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945ABG LAN Connection 802.11a/b/g, Bluetooth v2.0
Optional integrated WWAN (EV-DO, HSDPA)
Optional Integrated GPS receiver
Security features include: 32-character Password Security: Supervisor, User; Cable lock slot; Trusted Platform Module (TPM) v.1.2 security chip, optional finger print scanner
Touchscreen PC version: Genuine Windows: XP Professional SP2, Panasonic Handwriting, Software Keyboard, Display Rotation Tool
Tablet PC version: Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005, Display Rotation Tool
3-year limited warranty, parts & labor
About Panasonic Computer Solutions Company

Panasonic Computer Solutions Company empowers the mobile workforce. The company is a unit of Panasonic Corporation of North America, which is the principal North American subsidiary of Matsu****a Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (NYSE: MC). Panasonic has delivered reliable, durable mobile solutions through its Toughbook® line of notebook computers for thirteen years and has expanded the boundaries of wireless technology through a broad portfolio of products, ranging from fully rugged, industrial strength notebook computers and tablet PCs to thin and light semi-rugged notebooks. A core manufacturer, Matsu****a and its subsidiaries control the entire process of design, manufacture, quality assurance, service and support. As a result, Panasonic Toughbooks are known for having the lowest failure rates in the industry. Government, industrial, and commercial users—from Fortune 1,000 companies to small businesses—rely on solutions from Panasonic, wherever their work takes them.

All brand and company/product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies. All specifications are subject to change without notice. Information on Panasonic’s full line of notebook PCs for the mobile professional can be obtained by calling 800-662-3537 or at Panasonic Toughbook.

Contacts
Media:
Cohn & Wolfe
for Panasonic Computer Solutions Company
Jenni Hart, 415-365-8537
Jenni_Hart@sfo.cohnwolfe.com
Toughbook-PRTeam@cohnwolfe.com
or
Brian Baumley, 212-798-9831
Brian_Baumley@nyc.cohnwolfe.com
Toughbook-PRTeam@cohnwolfe.com

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