Panasonic Toughbook CF-19 Review (replacement of Cf-18)
Professionals in the medical, public services, security, engineering, construction and military fields needs a rugged, portable laptop solution that will not quit when the going gets tough. This Panasonic Rugged Laptop CF-19 review investigates whether or not the CF-19 lives up to this high standard.
Dual Productivity
The CF-19 has a decided benefit over other rugged laptops. With a quick swivel, the unit easily converts from a notebook to a tablet. The 10.1-inch touchscreen provides 1024 x 768 resolution, with video support of up to 1280 x 1024 at 16.7 million colors. The unit is powered by an Intel Core i53320M vPro processor with 4-8GB of RAM and up to 500GB HDD or SSD. The unit comes equipped with a 32- or 64-bit version of Windows 7 professional, integrated speakers and numerous expansion slots, including PC card type II, SD card (SDXC) and ExpressCard/54. The unit handles applications created for vertical markets with ease, and provides seamless integration with desktop units.
Built to Last
Encased in a full magnesium alloy case equipped with a carrying handle, the CF-19 meets and surpasses standards for ruggedness and durability. It easily survives drops in the mud, blunt force strikes and even falls from 6 feet high. The ruggedized laptop is IP65 and MIL-STD-810G certified, and is weatherproof, spill-proof, drop-proof and dust-proof. Rough terrain is not a match for the CF-19 due to its shock-mounted flex-connect hard drive equipped with quick release. This Panasonic Rugged Laptop CF-19 review verified the laptop can endure working in the rain, extreme heat and extreme cold without locking up and dying the way ordinary computers would in unfriendly weather conditions.
Built to Work
Migrating between the office and the field is a real problem for some mobile workers. The CF-19 is a wireless laptop that features optional 3G Gobi or 4G LTE. It has a convenient hand strap for toting the 5-pound unit around the work area. Workers who battle harsh sunlight will appreciate the unit’s TransflectivePlus and Panasonic CircuLumin technology, which fends off brutal direct glares. Need a mobile security solution? Security on the go is not a problem thanks to the CF-19’s integrated fingerprint scanner. This Panasonic Rugged Laptop CF-19 review confirms the unit works as hard as you do, with a battery life of up to 10 hours between charging.
Our CF-19 Review: A Few Cons
This Panasonic Rugged Laptop CF-19 review did uncover a few cons. First, the investment is substantial, especially for organizations that plan to deploy a large number of the units in the field. The rugged notebook carries a hefty price tag of between $3,200 and $4,000. The unit is chunky in appearance, but it is made for people who need a durable solution in the field, not for consumers surfing the web. The ability to transform from a laptop to a tablet may actually be a drawback for some users. The unit measures 8.5×10.7×1.9 (LWH). While the size and thickness is good for the laptop, holding the tablet with one hand is somewhat awkward.
Our Panasonic Rugged Laptop CF-19 review found this rugged solution is definitely worth the asking price for workers who depend on their computer in the field. It is tough enough to handle the harshest of environmental conditions, while still providing easy portability and functionality. The CF-19 comes with a 3-year limited warranty for parts and labor.