First Look: Panasonic Toughbook CF-F8

 

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Posted on 25 Sep 2008 at 11:19

Panasonic's Toughbook Executive range has just got a lot more desirable with the launch of the new ultra-portable F-series, which replaces the existing Y-series in the UK. Rather than the more utilitarian styling of previous models, the new Toughbook CF-F8 is designed to be appealing as well as tough. We got a hands-on look at the global launch in Japan, a month before its 22nd October 2008 UK launch.

The main thing that stands out with the CF-F8 is the large carry-handle that slides out from the front, so you can carry it around without a bag. It may sound a little odd, but it's actually a really easy way to carry the 1.6kg laptop around, and you're less likely to drop it that way, too.

The CF-F8 is also the first of Toughbook Executive range to have a widescreen display, with a 14.4in panel. There's currently some controversy going on with this, as the current release information states that the Japanese will get a 1,440x1,280 resolution panel; the UK model is currently listed as only having a 1,280x800 screen. However, we've been reliably informed that the UK specification will be increased to match the Japanese model before the laptop's released.

Where the UK will get less choice, is in colour. The Japanese market has been promised the CF-F8 in six different lid colours (from bright red to black), but only the black model will be available in the UK. That said, we've seen it in the flesh and the black version looks really good.

While it may look a lot more attractive than the other Toughbook Executive range, the CF-F8 remains just as tough as before. It's capable of withstanding drops from 76cm, while the laptop's running. Just in case you think that's just marketing speak, we saw a life demonstration of it - several times. The CF-F8 can also withstand 100kg of pressure applied across its lid, so knocks and bashes while it's being carried around aren't even going to phase it.

One of the criticisms of previous Toughbook Executives is that the specifications have lagged behind the current technology. With the CF-F8, this has changed, and it has a full Centrino 2 specification including a speedy 2.26GHz Core 2 Duo SP9300. With 6MB of cache and a 1,066MHz front-side bus (FSB) it should be a powerful laptop. It will also come with 3GB of RAM (1GB onboard and a 2GB module) and a 160GB hard disk. Despite the power, the laptop should be good for a day's worth of work with a promised battery life of nine hours.

UK pricing hasn't yet been announced, although the CF-F8 is likely to be a similar price to the Y-series laptop. That said, we've also been told that the pricing is currently being looked at, and that retail prices will hopefully be reduced by between 15 and 20 per before the laptop is launched. For the first time for a Toughbook Executive, the CF-F8 will be available in Dixons stores, so you'll be able to see it in the flesh when it's released. We'll bring you a full review closer to the UK release date.

Author: David Ludlow