Panasonic, Japan has announced the addition of two new models to its "TOUGHBOOK" range of sturdy notebook PCs that can survive a 90 cm fall when powered off.

The "29 Series" (13.3" LCD) and "18 Series" (10.4" LCD with 180 degree rotation) will go on sale from 7 March. A saltwater corrosion-resistant version of the "29 Series" will be released on 7 April.

The standard 29 Series (CF-29JC1AXS) is expected to cost 450,000 yen while the corrosion-resistant 29 Series (CF-29JC9AXS) should go for 500,000 yen, the 18 Series (CF-18GC1AXS) should go for around 350,000 Yen.

Features include magnesium alloy main body components, HDD protected by special damping material and enclosing it in a metal case, when not operational, the new models can apparently go from a drop from 90cm on to plywood or concrete. - More at TechJapan

The main specifications of the 29 Series include a low-voltage Pentium M 738 (1.40 GHz), 256MB memory (max 512MB), 40GB HDD, Intel 855GME chipset, 1024x768 (XGA) 13.1" LCD, FDD and Windows XP Professional (SP2).

The main specifications of the 18 Series include a low-voltage Pentium M 733 (1.10 GHz), 256MB memory (max 512MB), 40GB HDD, Intel 855GME chipset, 1024x768 (XGA) 10.4" LCD, FDD and Windows XP Professional (SP2).

The LCD display of both models is equipped with an AR-coated touch panel. Interfaces are almost identical: Ethernet, world modem, Type 2 PC Card slot x 2, USB2.0 x 2, mini D-Sub15 pin and serial port. The "CF-18FW1AXS" 18 Series is also equipped with IEEE 802.11b wireless LAN.

Continuous battery life with the standard battery is approximately 8 hours. The 19 Series is 302 x 273 x 63.5 mm in size and weighs approximately 3.6 kg. The 18 Series is 271 x 216 x 48 mm and weighs approximately 2.1 kg.