Panasonic Solutions Company, manufacturer of durable, reliable Panasonic Toughbook mobile computers, today introduced the Panasonic Toughbook 31, its most powerful fully rugged notebook computer. With an Intel Core i5 or i3 processor, 1,100 nit touchscreen display, and rugged certifications beyond MIL-STD-810G and IP65, the new device enables superior data access and productivity for any mobile professional facing extreme environments.

The Toughbook 31 provides ruggedness and shock protection, and is certified to MIL-STD-810G and beyond. The notebook is protected from drops of up to six feet and has achieved an IP65 rating for unparalleled protection from water and dust.

"The Toughbook 31 combines the best of three worlds - mobility, performance, and ruggedness," said Erik Reid, mobile client marketing director, Intel Corporation. "This is achieved by combining the high performance of the Intel Core i5 and i3 Processor technology with the ruggedness of the Panasonic design, which enables users to perform compute intensive applications in almost any kind of condition."

By leveraging Panasonic's advanced battery technology, the Toughbook 31 offers up to 11 hours of battery life despite its brighter screen and more powerful processor. New LED backlighting generates lower power consumption and delivers superior performance in cold weather. Charging time has been significantly reduced as well: the battery fully charges up to 47 percent faster than its predecessor, the Toughbook 30.

"As richer data becomes more available to first-responders and field workers, greater computing power is needed without sacrificing ruggedness," said Rance M. Poehler, president, Panasonic Solutions Company. "Like all of our products, the Toughbook 31 was designed based on vast customer input because the performance of each device is mission-critical. The Toughbook 31 is the first device of its kind to perfectly blend performance and durability.

"It combines the speed of a desktop computer with the reliability of a rugged mobile computer, helping end-users work with richer data in a variety of challenging environments. The no-compromise approach of Panasonic's engineers enables us to deliver the industry's best display with the long battery life our customers have always valued."

In accordance with customers' requests, the Toughbook 31 maintains a platform footprint virtually identical to past flagship products. This marks 11 consecutive years of consistent vehicle docking capabilities, allowing customers to upgrade Toughbook computers without replacing vehicle docks, and significantly lowering the total cost of ownership.

The Toughbook 31 also supports numerous security features, including options for an insertable SmartCard reader and fingerprint reader, using biometrics to protect mission-critical data.

The Panasonic Toughbook 31 will be available worldwide starting May 12, 2010. In the United States, the Toughbook 31 is expected to be available starting at an estimated street price of $3,799 from authorized Panasonic resellers.

The Toughbook 31 includes a full three-year limited warranty, parts and labor, providing coverage wherever the unit may be deployed.

For more information visit www.panasonic.com/business-solutions.