Panasonic Toughbook CF-W4

Those with larger hands will find the cramped keyboard an imposition to their workflow, though, with its tiny spacebar and Enter keys. You'll need to hover your palms above the wristrest, making long periods of typing more of a strain than we'd like.

It's a tricky time for notebook manufacturers at the moment: with the release of Intel's Core processor and updated Centrino platform, the CF-W4 is already a generation behind. But this Toughbook clearly stands out in the world of rugged IT equipment, as it's neither ugly nor weighed down by its protective armour, and offers adequate performance and a decent level of reassurance for the regular traveller. If you're looking for a tough travelling companion that still looks the part and will just keep on going, the ToughBook is the best we've seen.

Author: Clive Webster