In addition to introducing a new Toughbook -- F8 -- Panasonic today updated two of its flagship models: the T8 tablet and the W8 ultraportable. Designed with input from “walking workers,” the Toughbook T8 notebook is a tablet-alternative notebook with a touch screen, stylus and screen rotating software. The system features a 12.1 inch touch-screen LCD and convenient rubber hand strap. Equipped with an ultra-low voltage Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, the 3.3 pound T8 provides an 120GB hard drive and 4GB RAM, and delivers up to 7 hours of battery life.

On the other hand, the Toughbook W8 is an ultra portable notebook sporting 12.1-inch anti-glare LCD display. The 3 pounds machine offers integrated DVD Multi drive, an ultra-low voltage Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 4GB RAM, 120GB hard disk, and battery life of approximately 7 hours. According to Panasonic, the W8 is as useful on an airline tray table as it is in the board room.

Panasonic Toughbook W8

* Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor SU9300, 1.20 GHz (3MB L2 cache, 800 MHz FSB)
* 1GB DDR2 SDRAM standard, expandable to 4GB
* 120GB HDD, shock-mounted
* Integrated DVD Multi drive
* 12.1" 1024 x 768 XGA anti-glare TFT active matrix color LCD
* TPM Security Chip v1.2
* Intel® WiFi Link 5100 802.11a/b/g/draft-n
* Genuine Windows Vista™ Business (with XP downgrade option)
* Dimensions: 8.4”(L) x 10.7" (W) x 1.4”/1.9” front/rear (H)
* Weight: Approximately 3.0 lbs
* Battery life: Approximately 7 hours
* Wireless on-off switch (WWAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth)
* Bluetooth® v2.0 + EDR
* Optional integrated Gobi(TM) 3G global mobile Internet (EV-DO and HSPA)

Panasonic Toughbook T8

* Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor SU9300, 1.20 GHz (3MB L2 cache, 800 MHz FSB)
* 1GB DDR2 SDRAM standard, expandable to 4GB
* 120GB HDD, shock-mounted
* 12.1" 1024 x 768 XGA anti-glare TFT active matrix color LCD with touchscreen
* TPM Security Chip v1.2
* Intel® WiFi Link 5100 802.11a/b/g/draft-n
* Genuine Windows Vista™ Business (with XP downgrade option)
* Display Image Rotation software
* Dimensions: 8.4”(L) x 10.7" (W) x 1.4”/1.9” front/rear (H)
* Ergonomic rubber hand strap
* Weight: Approximately 3.3 lbs
* Battery life: Approximately 7 hours
* Wireless on-off switch (WWAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth)
* Bluetooth® v2.0 + EDR
* Optional integrated Gobi(TM) 3G global mobile Internet (EV-DO and HSPA)

The T8 and W8 notebooks will be available beginning in November 2008 for about $2,099.

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