Panasonic refreshes Toughbook H2 with faster processor, bigger storage and stronger shell

We’ve never understood why Panasonic chose to brand its top-line tablet as theToughbook H2, but given the hairy-chested types who build and use the gear, we’re not gonna challenge ’em. The company hasn’t messed too much with the Windows 7slate, except pushing the top chip to a 2.8GHz Intel Core i5-3427U and to swap out the 320GB 7,200RPM shock-mounted HDD for a 500GB model. Panasonic has also tweaked the hardware’s polycarbonate-encased magnesium alloy chassis, with MIL-STD-810G1 ensuring that the gear will survive drops from six-feet, as well as IP651 weather-proofing. The 3.5-pound unit also sees its battery life pushed to seven hours and also gains boosted WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.1+EDR connectivity. Once you’ve selected a unit, there’s a hefty list of possible add-ons, including barcodescanners, smart card readers, Gobi-running 3G, LTE and GPS options. There’s even a model that meets MIL-STD-461F standards for electromagnetic protection — useful if your day job involves battling superheroes. The standard unit will set you back $3,349 and comes with a three-year international warranty, so you’d better get buttering-up your procurement manager now.