Panasonic updates its business semi-rugged model
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)

The Toughbook 74 is an updated version of Panasonic's popular semi-rugged Toughbook 73. Like the older model, the 74 does the seemingly impossible: it provides state-of-the-art notebook power in a sleek yet very sturdy package. With its spill-resistant keyboard, tough magnesium case for both the system unit and the LCD display, and rugged construction, the 74 can handle abuse that would destroy ordinary consumer market notebooks. Yet, unlike many rugged devices, it is technologically up-to-date. Pana's business-rugged machine is now powered by a 2.0GHz Intel Core Duo T2500 processor, providing significantly more speed than its predecessor. Better yet, the battery has more than doubled in capacity, to the extent where the 74 will give you almost eight hours of run time between charges. You can also boost memory all the way to 4GB.

With security becoming ever more important, Panasonic offers optional SmartCard readers and Fingerprint Scanners, and there is the Trusted Platform Module security chip. The media bay is still there, accommodating everything from a floppy drive to a second battery, a second disk, or a combo DVD multi drive. There are numerous internal wireless options, including EVDO (Sprint and Verizon certified) and HSDPA. The Toughbook 74 is a little heavier than the model it replaces, but not by much. It remains a thoroughly modern notebook for those who do not need a tank like the Toughbook 30, but want something that is much tougher than standard notebooks.

On July 16, 2008, Panasonic announced upgrades including migration to the new Intel Centrino 2 processor, enhanced video and graphics capabilities, increased hard drive capacity (160GB) as well as expanded Wi-Fi performance with the addition of 802.11 Draft N.