Panasonic's Toughbook notebook is the Jason Statham of the PC industry--a rugged, action star that just refuse to give up even when the car goes belly up.
Turns out that the Toughbook has some soft corners. Panasonic's Toughbook-52 model will come with a 13.3-inch touchscreen display. The standard version of that model comes with a 15.4-inch widescreen.
Apple's iPhone has made touchscreen a standard fixture among cellphones. But notebook makers have been slower to catch on to that trend.
In November, HP launched a new convertible notebook with multi-touch technology. Rival Fujitsu has a touchscreen in a dual-screen notebook. In addition to the regular laptop screen, Fujitsu has nestled a 4-inch touchscreen in the keyboard area. Mostly touchscreens have been confined to tablet PCs rather than clamshell-style notebooks.
Usability analysts say touchscreens are limiting for most notebook users and offer little extra value beyond the mouse and keyboard. Touchpad interfaces are unlikely to make a dent in the way users interact with their computers, Anthony Andre, professor of human factors and ergonomics at San Jose State University told Wired.com earlier.
It could be a reason why Panasonic is taking it slow. It has made the touchscreen optional for Toughbook buyers.
Panasonic Toughbook-52 Product Page
[via Electronista]
*Photo: Panasonic Toughbook-52/ Panasonic
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