Panasonic Toughbook W4: Tough or Just Tough Enough?

For the average business person who travels more then usual their most important business tool is their laptop. But for business any old laptop just won’t do. They need a laptop that is durable and light, has good battery life, multimedia capabilities, and excellent connectivity.

Recently a new ultra light laptop from Panasonic has emerged that was designed and marketed as extra-durable, able to withstand assorted dings and drops that mobile executives often subject their laptops too. I had the chance to test this new laptop, the Toughbook W4.

The Toughbook W4 weighs slightly under 3 lbs. (2.8) and measuring 1.0-1.8''(h) x 10.6''(w) x 8.3''(d). With a full magnesium alloy case and ridged, protected design the W4 is definitely worthy of the Toughbook moniker, and certain to turn a few heads with its sleek and sophisticated look. The W4 was equipped with an Intel Pentium M 1.2GHZ processor, a 40GB hard drive, 512MB of RAM, a combo DVD / CD RW drive, 12.1" LCD display, integrated hi-speed Internet, Wireless 802.11 b/g adapters, two USB connectors and Windows XP.

I tested the W4 in my home office and at my local Barns & Noble. The W4 easily connect to WiFi networks at both my home office and Barns & Noble, letting me quickly check my email and browse the Web. The W4 has a keyboard that is the smaller then normal because of its size, and consequently you might find yourself hitting the keys above and below where you're aiming. It takes a little time to get used to it, but once you do, typing is easy. The screen is bright and vivid, but I found the latch to be slightly more difficult and less comfortable while opening and closing the unit due to it being almost recessed into the laptop.

The W4 performed admirably and better then expected. It handled typical office chores like reading/writing email, browsing the web and creating documents very well. However, don’t expect it to set any speed records or play the latest graphic intensive video games. The Intel 915GMS integrated video controller performed well during DVD playback, but was unable to keep up with a game of Quake.