The T4 laptop features an amazing 9.7 hours of battery life, sufficient for even the longest plane trips, therefor, Panasonic Toughbook T4 is an ideal mobile computer for the permanent road warrior. The 12″ XGA TFT display, exceptionally large for its size and portability, features touch screen LCD. But more interesting, it has such a slim design less than two inches in height, and is amply held with a single hand (features a built-in hand strap). No mobile computers can compare to Panasonic’s Toughbook series for portability and durability.

The case is entirely made of a magnesium alloy: very sturdy stuff. There is a protective film on the screen, but not even the film will ever end up touching the keys. There is no glossy option for the screen, but at least is not too dim to use in a room with fluorescent lighting. The Toughbook T4 comes with a non-standard keyboard: it has 83 keys in a layout very different from the classic desktop keyboard. Some functions that usually have dedicated keys, such as “Page Up” and “Page Down”, are relegated to secondary functions. However, despite the small size, the key travel is very good, almost as far as a standard notebook. The tiny speaker in the top-right corner of the chassis is quiet and tinny, proving a mediocre sound. The drive is noticeable in a silent environment and the only warm spot on the top is the left palm rest.

Traditionally, touchpads are rectangular, but the T4 has a round touchpad which is responsive and smooth, but small — even smaller than it seems necessary on the small area available. You can turn the touchpad off with the utility, reverse the direction of the scrolling, and activate horizontal scrolling. Another interesting feature is the touch screen, plus, a software program that comes with the T4 which lets you rotate the screen. The wireless connection is managed by the Intel PROset/Wireless program, but it takes significantly longer to identify and connect to networks than the standard Microsoft Windows wireless connectivity program. Battery life is of up to 9.5 hours, but it goes up to 10 hours if not intensely used by demanding programs.

Panasonic ToughBook T4 Specifications