Following on from its Intel Core i5-powered Toughbook CF-C1, Panasonic has this week opted to give two existing models a long-awaited refresh.
Kicking things off is the new-and-improved Toughbook CF-52 semi-rugged notebook, pictured below.
Arriving with the same drop and spill-tested magnesium alloy chassis, the hardened system now features a beefier selection of internal components; including a 2.53GHz Intel Core i5 processor, 2GB of RAM and a 250GB shock-mounted hard disk.
That's joined by an useful array of connectivity options, with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1, 3G and A-GPS all featuring as standard.
The 15.4in display offers a lovely 1,920x1,200 resolution, and the range-topping touchscreen model comes equipped with an adjustable dual overhead keyboard light.
Meanwhile, Panasonic's self-proclaimed "tablet alternative" - the CF-T8 - has also been upgraded to include a 1.6GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 250GB of hard-disk storage.
Designed for "Walking Workers", the system now sports Microsoft's Windows 7 operating system as standard - though a Windows XP downgrade remains available - and a 12.1in, anti-glare XGA touchscreen LCD.
Battery life is quoted at up to eight hours, and both systems come backed by a 3-year warranty with a 96-hour repair commitment and a 5-year spare parts guarantee.
No word on pricing as yet, but Panasonic tells us the Toughbook CF-52 and CF-T8 should be filtering through to retail right about now.
