Everywhere you look these days, people are talking about rugged Tablet PCs.

Today, we get word that Panasonic has announced some upgrades for its Toughbook 19 Tablet PC, addressing speed (Core 2 Duo 1.06 ghz ) and expanded memory ( up to 4 gb ):

Panasonic Computer Solutions Company, manufacturer of durable, reliable Panasonic Toughbook® mobile computers, today introduced upgrades to its Panasonic Toughbook 19 rugged convertible tablet computer.  The next generation Toughbook 19F convertible tablet PC joins Panasonic’s flagship Toughbook 30F clamshell notebook with its incorporation of the Core 2 Duo processor and expanded memory capabilities. The 5.1 lb Toughbook 19 also offers an optional integrated camera for use in inspection and incident documentation applications for which the convertible tablet has become widely deployed in military, government and commercial applications.

These MIL-SPEC-certified notebooks incorporate the rugged features—such as magnesium alloy cases, sealed keyboards and ports, hard drive heaters, flexible internal connectors and shock-mounting—that combine to deliver the highest levels of reliability in the industry. Both the Toughbook 19 convertible tablet and the Toughbook 30 notebook include an anti-glare, anti-reflective sunlight viewable display, WiFi 802.11a/b/g, Bluetooth, a mobile broadband-ready (WWAN) design, along with backlit keyboard, GPS wireless and many more options.

Panasonic Toughbook 19 Convertible Tablet PC: Select Features and Specifications
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor U7500 (2MB L2 cache), Processor speed 1.06GHz, 533MHz FSB
80GB HDD (shock-mounted and user-removable)
1 GB SDRAM standard, expandable to 4 GB
Optional external USB Combo Drive
Full magnesium alloy case with hand strap
Touchscreen Display  version: 10.4" 1024 x 768 (XGA) transmissive, 500 nit daylight-readable TFT Active Matrix Color LCD
Tablet Display version: 10.4" 1024 x 768 (XGA) transmissive, 550 nit daylight-readable TFT Active Matrix Color LCD with Digitizer
Dimensions: 1.9" (H) x 10.7" (W) x 8.5" (D)
Weight: 5.1 lbs.
Battery Life: 7 hours, depending on use conditions
Intel® Wireless WiFi Link 4965AG 802.11a/b/g, Bluetooth v2.0+EDR
Optional integrated WWAN (EV-DO Rev. A or HSDPA)
Optional integrated GPS receiver
Optional integrated 2MP camera with 5 ft. LED flash
Security features include: wireless on/off switch; Password Security: Supervisor, User; Hard Disk Lock; Cable lock slot; Trusted Platform Module (TPM) v.1.2 security chip; Computrace theft protection agent in BIOS; optional fingerprint scanner; optional SmartCard reader
Genuine Windows Vista® Business (with XP downgrade option), Setup, Diagnostics, DMI Viewer, Online Reference Manual, Adobe® Reader, Panasonic Handwriting (with signature capture on Tablet PC version), Software Keyboard, Display Rotation Tool, Hard Disk Data Erase Utility, Recovery DVD
3-year limited warranty, parts & labor