Panasonic's Toughbook 19 Convertible Tablet Gets Core i5, New Ambient Light Sensor

There's really just a single name in tough PCs these days, at least on the mainstream front, and that's Toughbook. Panasonic's Toughbook line has been taking beatings in the field for quite a while, and now the Toughbook 19 Convertible Tablet PC is getting a refresh. The unit now ships with Intel's Core i5-3320M vPro processor (up to 3.3GHz), and an innovative ambient light sensor, allowing automatic backlight shut-off to improve battery life. There's also expanded storage -- up to 500GB of 7200RPM space, shock-mounted with a quick release hinge. There's a 10% improvement in battery life (up to 10 hours or so), an added USB 3.0 port, Interlink’s VersaPad for improved touchpad performance and Bluetooth 4.0 + EDR. You'll also get 802.11a/b/g/n, and optional integrated 4G LTE wireless or 3G Gobi wireless, not to mention optional GPS to keep a dot on your location. The 10.1-inch XGA touchscreen TransreflectivePlus display with anti-reflective and anti-glare screen treatments, plus a circular polarizing filter, to keep your view ideal even in sunlight. Of course, this kind of treatment doesn't come cheap; it'll start shipping soon in the U.S. starting at a whopping $3549.