Panasonic ToughBook CF-74 Review Quotes

Panasonic ToughBook CF-74 is a “business rugged” laptop model. The 13.3-inch screen ToughBook CF-74, powered by Intel Core Duo processor, includes features such as magnesium-alloy casing, a shock-mounted hard drive, a spill-resistant keyboard, WWAN connectivity, and a outdoors readable screen. Here are the reviews of the Panasonic CF-74 notebook, with links to the full stories.

:: LAPTOP Magazine - Panasonic Toughbook CF-74 ::
Like all rugged and semi-rugged notebooks, the Toughbook CF-74 is expensive. Its list price of $2,999 matches that of the Itronix Hummer, but the Toughbook has a three-year limited warranty, two years longer than the Hummer’s. There’s also a 24/7 telephone support line, which the manufacturer claims has a wait time of less than a minute (in our test, they answered in 25 seconds). After seeing two or three mainstream notebooks destroyed, many forward-thinking buyers would rightly consider this semi-rugged Toughbook one of the best bargains on the market.

TrustedReviews - Panasonic ToughBook CF-74 - Rugged Notebook
The CF-74 may not be quite as tough as the CF-29, but it’s faster, lighter and has even better battery life. Unless you really do need to use your notebook in the most extreme environments, the CF-74 should suit your needs, while giving that piece of mind that only a truly rugged notebook can.

The lack of a touch screen is a little disappointing, and the price is, of course, very high. However, when push comes to shove, you either need a rugged notebook or not, and if you’re the kind of user that needs to know that your computer and data will be fine no matter how many times you drop it, bash it or spill water on it, then it really is worth considering one of these.

Finally, it’s also good to know that if some cockney toe rag corners you in the boiler room and asks you where your tool is, you can smack him round the head with your ToughBook before replying “Who’s the daddy now?”.

Panasonic ToughBook 74 Reviews. Laptops Reviews by CNET.
The good: Ruggedized case; built-in WWAN; carrying handle; covers on ports; more than seven hours of battery life; long warranty with lifetime phone support.

The bad: Expensive; bulky; heavy AC adapter; awkward implementation of touch screen; no multimedia controls.

The bottom line: The Panasonic ToughBook 74 boasts unique durability features and a fantastic warranty, but its high price and bulky dimensions make it a good buy only if your job necessitates extreme working environments. It’ll take more than the fear of a spilled cup of coffee to justify the premium and the added heft.