New CF-30 MKlll Why Do They Do This To Me!

Looks tasty.........

Panasonic Upgrades Its Rugged Toughbook® 19 and 30 Mobile Laptops Delivering Improved Performance and Viewability in All Environments
Battery Life Also Improved – Now Offering Up to 10 Hours of In-Field Use

SECAUCUS, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Panasonic Computer Solutions Company, manufacturer of durable, reliable Panasonic Toughbook® mobile computers, today introduced upgrades to its Panasonic Toughbook 30 clamshell rugged laptop and its Toughbook 19 rugged convertible tablet computer. Both Toughbook notebooks incorporate 1,000 nit LCDs, circular polarization technology and anti-glare (AG) plus anti-reflective (AR) screen treatments to enhance screen viewability, further improving in-field usability for mobile workers. Additional upgrades to the Toughbook 30 and Toughbook 19 include improved security and remote management thanks to Intel® Centrino® 2 with vPro™ technology, expanded memory capabilities, 40% longer battery lives, larger capacity hard drives, and optional SSDs.

Working outdoors in the bright daylight or in a vehicle with sunlight streaming through the windows is a fact of life for field workers, military personnel and first responders. Having a computer screen that is bright and crisp enough to be easily viewed, while not depleting essential battery power is crucial for a mobile workforce. The updated Toughbook 30 and Toughbook 19 offer improved full sunlight-viewability by incorporating circular polarization and other technologies, including 9 to 1,000 nit LCD brightness as well as AG and AR screen treatments. Not only has screen viewability been improved, but Panasonic’s engineers have also enhanced the battery life of both devices, now delivering up to ten hours of field-usability on a full charge with the standard battery.

”For many of our users, the ability to work effectively in all conditions, from pitch darkness to direct sunlight, is critical,” said Kyp Walls, director of product management, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company. “Panasonic has always created rugged mobile devices that offer exceptional viewability in all environments. The more useable our Toughbook notebooks are, the more productive our customers can be. The Toughbook 30 and Toughbook 19 are great examples of the exceptional engineering found in all Toughbook mobile computers. This level of engineering has made the Toughbook brand so popular with users in mission-critical environments.”

Panasonic has achieved engineering milestones with the extraordinarily bright screens it has developed for its rugged notebook computers. Toughbook 30 and 19 notebooks have LCD brightness measuring at 1,000 nits – a milestone first achieved on the Toughbook 30 in 2007. Both devices also offer exceptional low nit ratings – critical for operation in low light environments where less illumination improves user safety. A nit is a measurement of light in candelas per square meter, essentially how much light is coming from the display.

New Toughbook 30 and 19 mobile computers also include a “concealed mode” which allows users to easily turn all device lights off – screen and LEDs – using a function (Fn) key, without having to power down the machine. The feature allows users to customize which attributes get turned off when the Fn key is pressed including screen, LEDs, backlit keyboards, volume, and wireless radios (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, and mobile broadband). Furthermore, users can select if they wish the screen to be turned off, or just set to the minimum brightness level. The “concealed mode” feature is ideal for military and law enforcement applications and for jurisdictions requiring vehicle-mounted PCs to have their screens turned off while the vehicle is in operation.

Every Toughbook® notebook uses some form of AG screen treatment because, even inside, fluorescent lights may impair screen readability. Rugged units – like the Toughbook 30 and 19 – designed for use in vehicles or outdoors, incorporate more advanced AR screen treatments. All Toughbook notebooks also include individual control options for a wide range of screen brightness so users can make appropriate adjustments, depending on the ambient light in their work environment.

Rugged Engineering

These Mil-Spec-certified notebooks incorporate the rugged features—such as magnesium alloy cases, sealed keyboards and ports, hard drive heaters, flexible internal connectors and shock-mounting—that combine to deliver the highest levels of reliability in the industry. Besides improved screen viewability, both the Toughbook 19 convertible tablet and the Toughbook 30 notebook include Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/draft-n, Bluetooth®, as well as capabilities for Gobi™ global mobile internet (WWAN), backlit keyboards, GPS and many other options.

Panasonic Factory and Independent Quality Testing

Rugged Panasonic Toughbook notebooks are tested using the MIL-STD-810F methodology for a range of extreme conditions including drops (36”, unit and hard drive), shocks, vibration, humidity, altitude, water-, rain- and dust-resistance, temperature extremes and thermal shock. Each of the eleven Mil-Spec tests conducted on the Toughbook 30 and 19 are validated by independent lab testing. In addition, rugged Panasonic Toughbook notebook screens, cases, ports, and keyboards are IP54-rated for particulates and water. The products have also achieved UL1604 Class 1 / Div. 2 certification for use in hazardous environments.

At Panasonic’s own computer factory, in addition to Mil-Spec tests, Toughbook® notebook hinges endure 50,000 cycles and keyboards are subjected to 25 million keystrokes. Panasonic’s commitment to quality—at both the component and finished goods level—results in a total of more than 500 checks and tests before, during and after production, on every unit built.

Panasonic Financing Options

Panasonic recently introduced flexible financing options to enable customers to purchase and implement the reliable mobile technology they need to drive long-term value for their organizations. Financing choices include fair market value leases, deferral programs, lease back financing and step payments. The new finance options are being made available as part of the company’s longstanding relationship with Panasonic Finance Solutions, provided by CoActiv Partners. More information on the full range of financial solutions offered by Panasonic can be found at: http://www.panasonic.com/business/toughbook/proserv-mobile-computer-financing.asp.

Superior Warranty, Support and Professional Services

Every Panasonic Toughbook® mobile PC is sold with a standard three-year limited warranty (expandable to five years) and access to 24/7/365 U.S.-based phone support for the entire life of the unit. Panasonic boasts an average call center hold time of less than 75 seconds. 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, where the average turnaround time for repairs is less than two and a half days. Panasonic also offers a full range of professional pre- and post-deployment services, including on-site support.

Pricing and Availability

The Toughbook 30 is available at an estimated street price starting at $3,649. The Toughbook 19 is available at an estimated street price starting at $3,749. These and other Toughbook notebooks are available exclusively through authorized Panasonic Toughbook resellers nationwide. Please visit www.panasonic.com/toughbook for more information.

Panasonic Toughbook 30 Clamshell Laptop: Select Features and Specifications*

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo SL9300 1.6GHz
Intel® Centrino® 2 with vPro™ technology
6MB L2 Cache
1066 MHz FSB
2-4GB DDR2 RAM (667 MHz)
Intel® GS45 (GMA 4500MHD) video adapter
13.3” display
Circular polarization, anti-glare and anti-reflective screen treatments
9 to 1000 nit LCD brightness (touchscreen model)
Concealed Mode
Intel Wireless WiFi Link 5100
802.11 a/b/g/draft-n
Optional Gobi 3G Global Mobile Internet (HSPA, EV-DO Rev. A)
160GB SATA (shock-mounted & quick-release) hard drive
Optional 32GB SSD
Up to 10 hour battery life (14 hours including optional 2nd battery)
For additional Toughbook 30 product specifications, go to: http://www.panasonic.com//toughbook/30

Panasonic Toughbook 19 Convertible Tablet PC: Select Features and Specifications*

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo SU9300 1.2GHz
Intel® Centrino® 2 with vPro™ technology
3MB L2 Cache
800 MHz FSB
2-4GB DDR2 RAM (667 MHz)
10.4” LED backlit display
Circular polarization
4 to 1000 nit LCD brightness
Concealed Mode
Intel® Wireless WiFi Link 5100
802.11 a/b/g/draft-n
Optional Gobi 3G Global Mobile Internet (HSPA, EV-DO Rev. A)
160GB SATA (shock-mounted & quick-release) hard drive
Optional 32GB SSD
Touchscreen display or optional dual touch display (Digitizer + Touchscreen)
Up to 10 hour battery life

 

Ah, that's life, no computer stays the best for long. Still, I'm envious. Some nice upgrades there. Took them a while to introduce SSDs. What exactly is a display with circular polarization? Eh, whatever it is, let's just pretend it is so horrible that we would never trade in our Mk2s for this...

 

I think we already have it now, It's probably just a marketing thing
As for ssd's I have upgraded to a 64mb samsung in my cf-30 and a 32mb samsung in my cf-19


Alex

 

Hmmmm... I wonder if a batch file or some other type of code could be written to get into the "Concealed" mode. That's pretty cool. I know it could controls some of the lights... But probably not the Hard Drive light, etc... Those would require some sort of hardware change/addition.

 

The cf-19 screen brightness has increased from 540 to 1000nits
And it states LED Backlite for the cf-19
That is a first for panasonic as all older models use ccf
40% battery life increase means new slightly higher capacity battery upgrades I would think for the cf-30 and cf-19

Rob needs to email his new friend at panasonic for some demo's for us to check out


Alex

 

Ah, I see, scratch that, then.

I'm not sure about that, they might just be referring to the battery life of the SSD-equipped versions. After I installed an SSD, I could get about 10 hours out of my Mk2 as well (instead of the official 8 hours) - at least a few months ago when the battery was still almost brand new.

 

Zac,

What size SSD do you have?

Heck... I get 9-10 hours with my double battery set-up as it is...

 

It's a 64GB disk, an SLC-version from Samsung. Oh, and I'm using a CF-19, I may have been unclear on that. I don't know what exact effect an SSD would have on a CF-30's battery life.

 

First thing I did when I saw this ,was to look for that file in the downloads section
No files for the mk-3 yet , but its something to try if we can get our hands on it


Alex

 

Ok guys, you gotta get busy and put those tech brain cells to work so we can figure this out.

Why dont they offer the 1000Nit in non touch?

 

I just want to swap out my 540nit screen for the 1000nit led screen and i can live with my mk1.

Please let there be a way


Does anyone know if someone makes a led screen that could work for the cf-19?


Oh an a new higher mah battery would be nice lol


-James

 

Just an fyi that I posted what the OP posted here 6 days ago: http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/27/panasonics-toughbook-19-30-gets-even-tougher-better/

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=335372&page=10

 

Going to the LED backlight was probably a big part of the increased battery life due to the lesser draw. I would think life cycle improvements would also accompany the LED's (not that they were that bad to begin with).

 

And another fyi

Chaz beat you by over 3 hours … Rob

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=347101



Toyo seems to be better at advertising and promotion though
It seems to me that some people have a way of taking something and promoting the heck out of it, and in the end making it even better
Avatars are another good example

This thread has had the most interest so far

Btw:
Rob you should check with your new friend at head office and see if you can get your hands on some demo’s for us to review



Alex

 

him then!! lol

Friends!!! HA!!!!! We can call them that!

 

Advertising and promotion!!!! Gee, how should I take that? I browsed the first couple of pages to see if it had been talked about yet, didnt see it, so I just passed on what I had read.

 

This isn't a personal attack on you Toyo, just bragging

 

Hi. I'm new to this forum and interested in the Panasonic Toughbook CF-30. I have a few questions...
1. What type of screen will this notebook use? (TN, IPS, PVA etc.)
2. The screen is an LED touchscreen at 1000 nit maximum brightness?
3. Are the components upgradeable, such as the processor and graphics card, or are they soldered to the motherboard?
4. How reliable are Panasonic Toughbooks in general? Issues?
5. Are these notebooks customizable?

Thanks.

 

Welcome to the forum.
1. I don't understand the question.
2. The touchscreen is 1000nit, non-touch 500nit.
3. Basically no. Panasonic solders all of these components, to be tough!
4. Very, they are always at the top of the reliability surveys. Nobody does it better or even close to as well. That's why there is a whole forum of people hacking 10 year old notebooks.
5. The older ones much more than the current models. Panasonic just put everything in at the factory.
Now go buy one!
CAP

 

Elite Cataphract is referring to the different LCD-technologies available. I'm not sure if that information is available for the new machines, and to be honest I do not know what they use in the older machines either. But judging by the image quality (and in comparison to my stationary PVA-display at home), I doubt it is anything better than TN. Or if it actually is better than TN, then the touchscreen and polarizing layers covering the display ensure that the result looks just as bad as TN anyway. These are not machines for graphics artists, I would think. The screens get very bright though.

Björn

 

When I was looking at these the thing that blew my mind was the defect rate. Most of your commom home brand laptops have a failure rate of 15- to 30%, the TB is down to less than 1%.

I am a automotive technician by trade. Lexus and Toyota are my specialty. I can take one of thoe cars apart and see, feel what they do to make them so much better than the competition. All the way down to the actual nuts and bolts are special. That's how I feel about the ToughBook line. Panasonic builds a product for a market, and they simply do it right. Alot of companies would love to be able to say that.

Sorry JB, there I go advertising again!LOL