Today's niche laptop computer: Panasonic Toughbook 30

From time to time I bring to your attention some niche laptop computers that I believe it might be interesting for some of you to read about. Today's flavor is ruggedness. Panasonic is the main manufacturer that covered successfully this niche market section with it's ToughBook laptop series. We will take a short look at Toughbook 30. This laptop computer is MIL-STD-810F tested for ruggedness.(A series of testing procedures created by the U.S. government, that cover a variety of extreme conditions, including drop shock, vibration, dust and water resistant.). It is encased in a magnesium alloy with durability all weather design into every seal, hinge and connector and 3-foot drop approved. Plus, as the industry's fastest fully-rugged mobile PC, it's built for lightening-quick processing and wireless connectivity. Laptops specifications:

•		Genuine Windows Vista® Business (with XP downgrade option)
•		Intel® Centrino® 2 with vPro™ Technology with Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor
•		13.3" 1,000 nit sunlight-viewable LCD with optional touchscreen
•		8.4 lbs., including battery and handle
•		Full magnesium alloy case with handle
•		MIL-STD-810F- and IP54-compliant
•		3-foot drop approved
•		Sealed all-weather design
•		Shock-mounted, quick-release hard drive
•		Mobile broadband ready for Alltel, AT&T, Sprint and Verizon Wireless networks
•		Optional integrated Gobi™ 3G global mobile internet

Lithium Ion battery pack (10.65V, 8550mAh)

Battery operation: 9 hours (Vista), 10 hours (XP) -- 12.5 hours (Vista), 14 hours (XP) including optional 2nd battery

Battery charging time: 5hrs. off/ 8.5hrs. on

Security features:

Password Security: Supervisor, User, Hard-Disk Lock Cable Lock Slot Trusted Platform Module (TPM) security chip V.1.2 Computrace® theft protection agent in BIOS Fingerprint reader (optional) SmartCard reader (optional)

Other integrated options:

32GB SSD GPS Backlit keyboard SmartCard reader Fingerprint reader HDD and battery lock UL1604 certified model

This laptop computer model was launched few years back and in January 2009 enjoyed a new set of upgrades fron the manufacturer. Notebook incorporate 1,000 nit LCD, 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 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.