Panasonic Updates Toughbook 53 Semi-rugged Laptop

Windows 8.1 Pro Update, battery life of up to 15 hours enhances productivity of mobile professionals

NEWARK, NJ, July 22, 2014 – Panasonic, an industry leader in reliable and innovative mobile computers since 1996, today announced upgrades to theToughbook^® 53 semi-rugged laptop. With a 4^th generation Intel^® Core^™ i5 vPro^™ processor, up to 15 hours of battery life, Windows 8.1 Pro Update or Windows 7 Professional (available through downgrade rights from Windows 8.1 Pro), and enhanced wireless connectivity, the Toughbook 53 now more than ever serves as a reliable and versatile tool for mobile workers in demanding markets such as insurance, construction and the military.

In 1998, Panasonic created the first semi-rugged mobile computer, and the Toughbook 53 continues this legacy today with enterprise-grade durability and purpose-built features beyond those of a consumer-grade laptop. With features such as a 14″ sunlight-readable optional touchscreen, anti-reflective and anti-glare HD display, and optional 4G LTE multi carrier mobile broadband with satellite GPS – as well as a magnesium alloy case with handle, spill-resistant keyboard and certification from an independent third party to survive a 3-foot drop – the semi-rugged Toughbook 53 is built to assure a high long-term return on investment for a diverse range of users in enterprise and government. The Toughbook 53 is available in two models – a model with a 500GB 7200rpm hard drive, optional touchscreen and up to 15 hours of battery life depending on usage conditions; and another model with a 320GB 5400rpm hard drive and up to 10 hours of battery life depending on usage conditions.

“A growing number of workers spend a significant amount of time working from the road, and these professionals expect their technology to offer performance and connectivity while at the same time keeping up with the rigors of their jobs,” said Kyp Walls, director of product management, Panasonic System Communications Company of North America. “With its under-the-hood improvements, this next-generation Toughbook 53 is ideal for today’s mobile workers who must stay productive in challenging conditions.”

Panasonic Toughbook 53: Key Improvements

• Advanced Operating System:  Windows 8.1 Pro Update 64-bit or Windows 7 Professional (available through downgrade rights from Windows 8.1 Pro)
• Latest Processor: 4^th generation Intel^® Core^™ i5-4310U vPro^™ Processor, (3MB cache, 2.0 GHz up to 3.0 GHz with Intel^® Turbo Boost Technology)
• Improved Battery Performance: Up to 15 hours of continuous use depending on usage conditions for the 500GB hard drive model  and up to 10 hours for 320GB hard drive model
• Enhanced Connectivity: Intel^® Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260 Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac

For a full list of specifications and more detailed information, visit http://www.panasonic.com/ toughbook/53.

Pricing and Availability

The Panasonic Toughbook 53 is available this August from authorized Panasonic resellers starting around $1,399. The Toughbook 53 includes a standard three-year limited warranty.

Sales inquiries for Panasonic’s Toughpad family of tablets should be directed to sales.psc@us.panasonic.com or 877-803-8492.

Follow the Toughbook^® Brand:

The Panasonic Toughbook brand can be followed on various social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter (@Toughbook),YouTube, Flickr and our blog, Panasonic for Business.

Panasonic Solutions for Business

Panasonic delivers game-changing technology solutions that deliver a customized experience to drive better outcomes—for our customers and our customers’ customers. Panasonic engineers reliable products and solutions that help to create, capture and deliver data of all types, where, when and how it is needed. The complete suite of Panasonic professional solutions for government and commercial enterprises of all sizes addresses unified business communications, mobile computing, security and surveillance, retail point-of-sale, office productivity, visual communications (projectors, displays, digital signage) and HD video production. Panasonic solutions for business are delivered by Panasonic System Communications Company of North America, Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation.

All brand and company/product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies. All specifications are subject to change without notice. Information on Panasonic solutions for business can be obtained by calling 877-803-8492 or at us.panasonic.com/business- solutions/.

About Panasonic Corporation of North America

Panasonic Corporation of North America provides a broad line of digital and other electronics products and solutions for consumer, business and industrial use.  The company is the principal North American subsidiary of Osaka, Japan-based Panasonic Corporation and the hub of Panasonic’s U.S. branding, marketing, sales, service and R&D operations.  In Interbrand’s 2014 annual “Best Global Green Brands” report, Panasonic ranked number five overall and the top electronics brand in the report. As part of continuing sustainability efforts, Panasonic Corporation of North America relocated its headquarters to a new facility, built to meet LEED certification standards, adjacent to Newark Penn Station in Newark, NJ.  Learn more about Panasonic at www.panasonic.com.