Panasonic Toughbook 74 is getting rave reviews from LaptopMag.
Listed as the Ultimate Choice 2007; A semi-rugged notebook that won’t weigh you down, the Panasonic Toughbook 74 weighs only six pounds but packs in a lot of durability features and plenty of preformance. You get a full magnesium-alloy case with a carrying handle, plus a spill-resistant keyboard, a touchpad, and a shock mounted hard drive. The 13.3-inch XGA display is a perfect size for field workers, and it’s daylight-readable to boot.
Under the hood there’s the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processor and an 80GB hard drive, and this system can handle up to 4GB of RAM. A DVD/CD-RW drive comes standard and you can upgrade to the DVD Multi Drive, which burns to various formats. In addition to 802.11n Wi-Fi, the Toughbook 74 supports EV-DO Rev. A mobile broadband from Sprint and Verizon Wireless, so you stay connected without having to rely on hotspots. (Globetrotters can opt for Cingular UMTS/HSDPA connectivity.) And with 5.5 hours of battery life in our tests, you’ll be able to get through most of your workday on a single charge.
Starting at $3,299; panasonic.com/toughbook