Review: Panasonic Toughbook F8
CPU: 2.26-GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P9300
RAM: 3GB
Hard Drive: 160GB/5,400 rpm
Display: 14.1 inches/1280 x 800
Size: 12.8 x 9.9 x 1.9 inches
Weight: 3.7 poundsPrice : $2499
The company offers more robust Toughbook F8 power, outstanding battery life, a 14.1-inch screen and an optical drive on a train of 3.7 pounds. But it will cost.
We have always been fans of Panasonic Toughbook line, particularly its duration Ultraportables. The new Toughbook F8 provides the platform for Intel Centrino 2 machine, which is impressive given its 14.1-inch light and optical drive. However, it is difficult to ignore the high price of $ 2499, especially since the F8 key is less bright, and the lack of system functions as a module webcam and fingerprint reader. Given its durability and battery life long, however, the F8 is the value of the premium for those who spend time outside the office.
Design
With its two-tone light chassis, the Toughbook F8 seems bulky for a thin and light, an impression confirmed by the machine of 1.9-inches thick at the back (the decline of 1.3 inches front). However, assures us that the Panasonic Toughbook F8 is the lightest 14.1-inch widescreen machine with 3G and wireless broadband on an optical drive. In fact, lifting the handle, which cleverly folds flush against the front of the laptop, we were surprised to see how the light is low, from 3.7 pounds to be exact, a respite from the 4 – 5 pounds of other 14.1-inch thin and light. Credit where magnesium alloy, which shaves weight while adding more stiffness to protect the screen and other components.
However, the design of May not please everyone. See the stylish, elegant models of leadership, as the new Apple MacBook and HP EliteBook lines, most of Panasonic is a Transformer-esque. We are not sold on the circular touchpad. In addition to being visually distracting in your peripheral vision circles shouting “Search”, which is why advertising and packaging, designers love annoyingly mouse offers usable, especially if one considers of the movement.
Keyboard and Ports
The unique optical drive under the palm rest Panasonic gives more room for the ports on the side of the machine, but also pushed closer to the keyboard on the screen, you used to get. The full-size keyboard, offers key and good tactile feedback and sound when you write, but the small right Shift and Enter May take some adjustment. We are also disappointed that Panasonic does not include multimedia or dedicated volume controls, you have to use the controls provided in the application of the old and the key combos for the second.
Panasonic only includes ports: three USB, headphone, microphone, VGA, Ethernet, modem, and mini connector port replicator. You will not find FireWire, HDMI, eSATA, or here, is not a configuration of the camera or fingerprint reader, two essential elements for business these days. (Panasonic says a fingerprint reader will be available in future models.) The Toughbook F8 includes II PC Card slot and an SD / SDHC Card reader, but
