Panasonic Computer Solutions, Secaucus, N.J., a division of Japan’s Matsushita Electric Corp., has added a new product to its line of Toughbook ruggedized notebook PCs.

The Mobile Data Display PC consists of two elements, a 2-pound Toughbook 07 Mini PC that can be worn on a belt, and a separate cordless 8.4-inch color touchscreen display that functions in all lighting conditions.
According to Panasonic, the sealed 1.5-pound display withstands shock, vibration, 4-foot drops, dust, water, heat and cold conditions. The battery is rated at 2.5 hours with the screen backlit and 5 hours without. The unit can capture and save up to 100 screen images and uses a stylus for input.
The computer portion of the unit, the Toughbook 07, features an Intel Pentium III 300MHz CPU, 64MB of RAM, and a shock-mounted 5GB hard drive in a small aluminum case. Onboard ports include mini-USB, serial, DC-input, Wireless Display interface, and one Type 2 PCMCIA card slot.
The Mobile Data Display PC offers communications options including GPS and 802.11b wireless compatibility. It can also integrate with mobile communications from Motient, Cingular Interactive, and CDPD nationwide networks.
The Mobile Data Wireless Display will cost approximately $1,500. The Toughbook 07 Mini PC it talks to goes for about $2,300.