Panasonic has made some significant upgrades to its rugged, 12.1-inch ToughBook C1 Convertible tablet. It starts off with a Core i5-2520M v Pro Processor (2.5GHz Turbo boost able to 3.2GHz), along with standard 320GB 7,200RPM HDD (250GB before), and some improved battery life. They said that you can expect some 12 hours of battery life from the two swappable batteries, or six hours with one. They also said that various improvements contribute to a start-up time 30 percent faster than the previous one. It will now start at $2,599 instead of $2,499, the new models rolls out next month. For more details read the press release

Here is the Press Release

Panasonic Upgrades the Toughbook C1 with Enhanced Processor Speed and Increased Battery Life

Business-rugged Convertible Tablet Notebook Receives Boost in Performance

SECAUCUS, N.J.–(EON: Enhanced Online News)–Panasonic Solutions Company, provider of collaboration, information-sharing and decision-support solutions for government and commercial enterprises, today announced upgrades to the Panasonic Toughbook C1, currently the world’s lightest 12.1″ convertible tablet PC. The new version comes equipped with a 320GB base hard drive, up to 12 hours of battery life, 2GB RAM (expandable to 8GB) and an increased Intel Core i5-2520M vPro processor (2.50GHz with Turbo Boost up to 3.2GHz). In addition, the Toughbook C1’s start-up time is approximately 30 percent faster1 compared to the previous model. The Toughbook C1 convertible tablet form factor is ideal for road warriors and mobile workers in a variety of environments including healthcare, education and field sales.

The upgraded Toughbook C1 maintains its embedded wireless connectivity, including Bluetooth v2.1 and optional Qualcomm’s Gobi2000 3G mobile broadband technology. The device is certified on the AT&T and other major 3G networks, allowing workers to stay connected virtually all of the time. Additionally, the Toughbook C1 has Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6205 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, offering improved connectivity options for mobile workers.

At 3.28 lbs, the lightweight Toughbook C1 with the triple-hinge design is created for a highly mobile workforce. The laptop is able to withstand drops from approximately 30″ and comes with a battery life of twelve hours (with optional second battery) – enabled by a hot-swappable twin battery design. The ‘hand-free’ ergonomic “strap and dome” cradle is designed for customer comfort and long-term use. The Toughbook C1 also has a spill-resistant keyboard, which protects against liquid spills of about 6 ounces. The device’s 12.1″ widescreen WXGA 1280 x 800 display is available with a choice of multi touch and digitizer screen or gloved multi touch screen and an anti-glare screen treatment.

“The Toughbook C1 is often the convertible tablet of choice for our customers with highly mobile workforces, such as doctors, visiting nurses, sales teams and road warriors,” said Kyp Walls, director of product management, Panasonic Solutions Company. “When upgrading the device, we made sure to improve the features that are crucial in helping our end users perform their jobs more efficiently. This includes incorporating a faster processor, larger hard drive and longer battery life into a hardened, business-rugged device that offers unmatched reliability and provides the highest ROI.”

Panasonic Toughbook C1: Key Upgraded Features

* Genuine Windows 7 Professional 32-bit or 64-bit
* Intel Core i5-2520M vPro Processor (2.5 GHz with Turbo Boost up to 3.2 GHz)
* 320GB 7200rpm shock-mounted flex-connect hard drive with quick-release
* RAM (varies by model)
o Multi touch + digitizer: 4GB RAM (DDR3-1333MHz), expandable to 8GB
o Gloved multi touch: 2GB RAM (DDR3-1333MHz), expandable to 6GB
* Hot-swappable twin battery design
o 6 hour battery life (12 hour with optional second battery)
* 3.28 lbs (3.73 lbs with optional second battery)
* Interfaces
o SDXC card slot
* Embedded Connectivity
o Wi-Fi , Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6205 802.11a/b/g/n
* Optional Integrated Features:
o 1.3MP webcam
o 128 solid state drive (SSD)

1 Based on Panasonic testing, results may vary. With HDD, Quick Boot Manager and factory operating system image.

Pricing and Availability

In the United States, the upgraded Toughbook C1 is expected to be available in July 2011 from authorized Panasonic reseller starting at an estimated street price of $2,599.

The Toughbook C1 includes a full three-year limited warranty, parts and labor, providing coverage wherever the unit may be deployed.

Follow the Toughbook Brand

The Panasonic Toughbook brand can be followed on various social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr and Toughbloggers.com.

About Panasonic Solutions Company

Panasonic Solutions Company empowers people whose jobs depend on reliable technology. The company delivers collaboration, information-sharing and decision-support solutions for customers in government, healthcare, education and a wide variety of commercial enterprises. Products and services within the company’s portfolio include Panasonic Toughbook mobile computing solutions, projectors, professional displays (including both plasma and LCD), and HD and 3D video acquisition and production solutions. As a result of its commitment to R&D, manufacturing and quality control, Panasonic is known for the reliability and longevity of its products. Panasonic Solutions Company is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, which is the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC).

All brand and company/product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies. All specifications are subject to change without notice. Information on Panasonic Solutions Company’s full line of products can be obtained by calling 877-803-8492 or at www.panasonic.com/business-solutions.