Panasonic Toughbook W7 Notebook

Can take a beating ; Integrated wireless WAN support

Measly 1024 x 768-pixel resolution ; Optical drive hinges interfere with keys

Tough enough to tackle the real world, but not enough power to tackle some computing tasks.

Can withstand a fair bit of punishment. Water resistant. Decent power for the size.

Exposed ports not the best for a rugged laptop. Not the most attractive of laptops. Odd touchpad. Vertically short keys. 802.11g/100Mb only.

The Toughbook CF-W7 isn't bad. It's designed for a specialised niche, and if you're constantly exposed to water we'd say it'd be a good choice. We'd expect more for our money though, and would otherwise be more tempted to pick up a Thinkpad for general...

There are plenty of good ideas at work, here - not to mention plenty of features that make the Panasonic ToughBook W7 tough to beat outdoors. But when you hunker down and actually get to work, it may take you a little longer to get things done than...

The Toughbook CF-W7 can withstand small spills and up to 200 pounds of pressure; weighs the same as a MacBook Air; WWAN options are available.

Bulky and ugly; ports and connections are not protected; ho-hum performance; dated 4:3 aspect display; circular touchpad is difficult to use.

The Panasonic Toughbook CF-W7 manages to be lightweight and awkwardly bulky, but this rugged ultraportable offers excellent protection for business travelers who are extra rough on their systems.

Can withstand a fair bit of punishment, Water resistant, Decent power for the size

Exposed ports not the best for a rugged laptop, Not the most attractive of laptops, Odd touchpad, Vertically short keys, 802.11g/100Mb only

Can withstand a fair bit of punishment, Water resistant, Decent power for the size

Exposed ports not the best for a rugged laptop, Not the most attractive of laptops, Odd touchpad, Vertically short keys, 802.11g/100Mb only

The Toughbook CF-W7 isn't bad. It's designed for a specialised niche, and if you're constantly exposed to water we'd say it'd be a good choice. We'd expect more for our money though, and would otherwise be more tempted to pick up a Thinkpad for general...

Given the $3245 price tag, we'd like perhaps a little more style, but given the overall functionality, 1.29kg weight and excellent battery life, the CF-W7 looks like a very good deal indeed.