Keep IT Simple

One of the problems in electronics since it was conceptualized is its durability. Sure we have anti-shock devices that could withstand constant bumps but if you drop them, you can always tell that a new one should be considered. Mobile phones are one of the well known devices that can’t really withstand a good bumping: the more complex they are, the easier they could be destroyed in just one dropped. For example: what used to be Nokia’s bold 5210 could withstand a terrifying 10 foot drop while the NSeries will mean an automatic goodbye when dropped at the same height.

That also goes with laptops. In fact, almost every laptop when dropped even for just a foot or two will be destroyed. Considering inside the laptop is compressed to work as a computer, it’s no wonder that a single bump will always have a considerable effect on the computer. Consider yourself lucky if your laptop will still boot normally if you drop it from your hand while walking.

Thinking about this problem, Panasonic came up with an idea and released a series of laptops called Toughbooks.

There are actually three types of Toughbooks: the business type, semi-rugged and fully rugged.

Business type laptops could be almost the same with other laptops except with a minor difference: shock mounted hard drive. That means when your hard drive get’s bumped or dropped in anyway, it will still function as it is. You can transfer the hard drive to another laptop and it will work just fine. The most outstanding in this class is the Toughbook T7 featuring touch screen LCD. It’s also drop and spill resistant and its battery will last up to 9 hours. Think of the XO laptop but give it more power in terms of processor and hard drive.

The Semi-rugged editions of Toughbooks have increased shock resistance. The welcoming addition in this type of toughbook is that its LCD is daylight readable. You never have to worry about getting into shade just to read what’s written in your LCD. The touchpad and keyboard are now spill resistant. The leader in this series is the Toughbook 74. Spill resistant, daylight readable, magnesium alloy case and has even more powerful wireless capability.

But none of these two types of toughbooks could be compared to the fully rugged Toughbooks. If you’re office is the jungle, a construction site or in the middle of the dessert, this baby was built for you. More than just a wireless capable notebook, fully rugged Toughbooks also have GPS. The product has also been tested by a third party group for durability. The laptop is powered by Intel Centrino Duo so you don’t have to worry about slow processing time. Highly recommended in this class is the Toughbook 19. It has a full swivel LCD that can also be converted into a tablet PC. Its LCD is moisture and dust resistant and it’s protected by a magnesium alloy case.

If you’re a traveler or loves to work outside, better get yourself a Toughbook. Now, if only Panasonic could lower their prices below $2,000, that would be even sweeter.