Panasonic speeds up Toughbook F5, N9 and S9 in Japan
updated 09:50 am EDT, Mon September 6, 2010
Core i5 standard or Core i7 BTO
Panasonic today boosted the base specifications of its Japanese Toughbook F5, N9 and S9 range to include the 2.66GHz Core i5 560M as standard across the range. A faster 2.8GHz Core i7 640M will also be a build-to-order option, as is the option to boost the RAM from 4GB to 8GB. All models now also offer better battery performance of up to a claimed 14.5 hours and ship with Windows 7 Professional.
The base configurations of all the refreshed models also includes a 500GB drive, although a build-to-order option allows users to upgrade to 640GB, or alternativey opt for a 256GB SSD. WiMAX and 802.11n Wi-Fi on all models is incorporated to get online, while the relatively low weight of the laptops are a highlight. The N9 and S9 both have 12.i-inch LCDs and weigh in at 2.9 pounds and 2.95 pounds, respectively. The 14.1-inch F9 weighs in at 3.5 pounds.
The new Toughbooks come in either red, black, or black and white, although pricing and if and when they might reach North America is yet to be confirmed. Most models reach the US relatively quickly. [via Akihabara]
