The Panasonic Toughbook is a laptop computer created for extreme environments. The system is designed to withstand vibration, drops, spills, extreme temperature, and other rough handling. While originally targeted at military, law enforcement and heavy industrial users, Panasonic has expanded marketing towards a wider audience in recent years.

All models have a full magnesium alloy case which is 20 times stronger than the ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic commonly used in laptop construction. Many models have LCD panels designed specifically for visibility during daylight use. Other design elements include a shock-mounted hard drive and, on many models, a moisture and dust-resistant LCD, keyboard and touchpad. Available options include touchscreens, digitizers and backlite keyboards.

The new Panasonic Toughbook laptops include GPS receiver but cost over $3000; and probably weighs a ton (It weighs 8.4 lbs., including battery and handle). The two new models introduced are the Toughbook 30 and Toughbook 19 which you can read more on their fully rugged computers page. Don’t forget to check out the digital camera installed on the bottom of Toughbook 19, complete with dual flash.

The margin for resellers comes from the higher price point on the Toughbook 19 and 30. Starting price for the Toughbook 30 is about $3,649. The 19 starts at around $3,749. While the demand for these rugged notebooks won’t approach the demand that a company likeDell (NSDQ: Dell) or Lenovo will attract, the higher price point and durability of the machines make a good selling point for the channel.

Specifications :

• Genuine Windows Vista® Business (with XP downgrade option)
• Intel® Centrino® 2 with vPro™ technology with Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor
• Integrated 802.11 a/b/g/draft-n Wi-Fi
• 10.4″ 1,000 nit sunlight-viewable LCD swivels for optimum visibility
• Standard touchscreen or dual touch LCD (touchscreen and digitizer)
• Simultaneous access to 3G mobile broadband, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth® and GPS
• Pressure-sensitive touchscreen can be used with a stylus or the touch of a finger (also available with pen-only digitizer screen)
• 5.1 lbs., lightweight design
• Full magnesium alloy case with handle
• MIL-STD-810F- and IP54-compliant
• Sealed all-weather design
• Shock-mounted , quick-release hard drive
• Mobile broadband ready design
• Optional integrated Gobi™ global mobile internet (WWAN)

See this video to realize what a panasonic toughbook is…