Panasonic has just announced its new Toughbook 53 semi-rugged notebook for mobile professionals such as inspectors and claims adjusters. This highly reliable and versatile device not only delivers high performance computing, but also offer optional 4G LTE mobile broadband connectivity for high-speed internet connection. The notebook is designed to survive 30-inch drops on six faces, features a spill-resistant keyboard and passes nine MIL-STD-810G tests.
Powered by second Intel Core i5-2520M/i3-2310M processor, the Toughbook 53 sports up to 8GB of RAM, and optional 128GB SSD. It supports WiFi 802.11b/g/n and optional Bluetooth 2.1, LTE 4G and Gobi 2000 mobile broadband modules. You can expect a 14-inch 1366×768 display with touchscreen option.
The notebook has SD/SDXC card slot, a PC card slot, ExpressCard slot, HDMI output and one USB 3.0 port. It also offers options for an integrated webcam, plus fingerprint and SmartCard readers for enhanced security as well as enhanced connectivity such options for FireWire, 56K modem or 2nd LAN port.
The Toughbook 53 i5 model will ship in June at an estimated street price of $1,899; the touchscreen version will ship in July and is available at an estimated street price of $2,449. The Toughbook 53 i3 model will ship in August at $1,599.
