Panasonic Computer Solutions Co. has introduced the Toughbook 8 Series of rugged notebook computers for business. The announcement includes the new, thin F8 model, upgrades to the table alternative t8, and the ultraportable W8. The 8 Series of Toughbook mobile computers includes Gobi 3G mobile broadband technology from Qualcomm Inc., allowing for connections to high-speed mobile internet services virtually anywhere in the world. The F8, weighing 3.7 pounds, features a 14.1-inch-wide display and internal optical drive. Its Intel Core 2 Duo processor offers up to 4GB of RAM. The W8 and T8 have 12.1-inch antiglare LCD screens and weigh between three and 3.3 pounds. All 8 Series notebooks have magnesium alloy cases and shock-mounted hard drives. The 8 Series also offers a range of embedded wireless options, including 802.11a/b/g and Bluetooth 2.0. In testing, the equipment survived drops of 12 feet for the unit itself and 30 feet for the hard drive. The 8 Series will be available beginning in November, at an estimated base price of $2,099 for the W8 and T8, and $2,400 for the F8.
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