Processor:
Intel Pentium M (1.2 GHz)
Clock speed:
1.2 GHz
RAM installed:
512 MB DDR2 SDRAM
Weight:
2.9 lbs
Display:
12.1 in TFT active matrix
OS provided:
Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Chipset type:
Mobile Intel 915GMS Express
CNET editors' review
Reviewed by:
Michelle Thatcher
Reviewed on 6/13/06
Release date: 11/6/05
Since CNET gave an Editors' Choice award to the
ultraportable Panasonic ToughBook W2 in 2003, Panasonic has renamed the system the W4 and made a few modest enhancements to the laptop. The few case modifications involve adding a handy Wi-Fi on/off switch and a connector for Panasonic's optional port replicator; otherwise the W4's design and features are exactly the same as the W2's.
The bulk of the changes on the W4, priced at $2,199, are inside the case. Panasonic has stocked the laptop with an assortment of previous-generation parts (no Core Solo or Core Duo processors here): a 1.2GHz Pentium M Ultra Low Voltage processor, 512MB of middling 400MHz RAM, a 40GB hard drive spinning at 4,200rpm, and integrated Intel graphics. Those components are nearly identical to the similarly priced Fujitsu LifeBook P7120's, though not quite as fresh as those on the less expensive, Core Solo-based Gateway NX100X. Nevertheless, the W4 matched the performance of both the Fujitsu and the Gateway on CNET Labs' performance benchmarks and should prove sufficient for basic business applications such as e-mail, word processing, and spreadsheets.
The W4 also displayed an impressive battery life, lasting 5 hours, 41 minutes in our drain tests. The LifeBook P7120 held out just 7 minutes more, while the NX100X trailed far behind both competitors, lasting an average 3 hours, 6 minutes.
Like its predecessor, the W4 is covered by a lengthy three-year standard warranty (most consumer laptops are covered for only one year). In addition, Panasonic provides paid shipping for repairs, along with lifetime, toll-free, 24/7 tech support--a package that's virtually unheard of these days. The company's support Web site includes troubleshooting guides, FAQs, and driver downloads, as well as the option to contact a support rep via e-mail.
Mobile application performance(Longer bars indicate better performance)
|
BAPCo MobileMark 2002 performance rating | |
Battery life(Longer bars indicate better performance)
|
BAPCo MobileMark 2002 battery life in minutes | |
Find out more about how we test Windows laptops.
System configurations:
Fujitsu LifeBook P7120
Windows XP Professional; 1.2GHz Intel Pentium M ULV 753; 512MB DDR SDRAM 400MHz; Intel 915GM/GMS, 910GML Express 128MB; Toshiba MK6006GAH 60GB 4,200rpm
Gateway NX100X
Windows XP Professional; 1.2GHz Intel Core Solo U1400; 512MB DDR2 SDRAM PC4300 533MHz; Intel 945GM Express 128MB; Hitachi Travelstar 5K80 80GB 5,400rpm
Panasonic ToughBook W4
Windows XP Professional; 1.2GHz Intel Pentium M ULV 753; 512MB DDR SDRAM 400MHz; Intel 915GM/GMS, 910GML Express 128MB; Toshiba MK25GASL 40GB 4,200rpm
Similar products
- Panasonic ToughBook 74
- Sony VAIO TXN15P/B (Core Solo 1.2 GHz, 1 GB RAM, 80 GB HDD)
- Sony VAIO N320E/W (Core Duo 1.6GHz, 1GB RAM, 120GB HDD, Vista Home Premium)
- HP Compaq 6910p (Core 2 Duo 2GHz, 1GB RAM, 80GB HDD, Vista Business)
- Dell XPS M1330 (Core 2 Duo 1.8GHz, 2GB RAM, 160GB HDD, Vista Home Premium)
- Dell XPS M1330 (Core 2 Duo 1.5GHz, 2GB RAM, 160GB HDD, Vista Home Premium)
- Dell Latitude XT Laptop Computer (Intel Core 2 U2100 1.06GHz, DDR2 SDRAM 2.0GB, 40GB HDD)
- Lenovo ThinkPad X300
- Dell XPS M1530 Product RedTM Laptop Computer (Intel T5800, 320GB HDD, 3GB)
- Dell XPS M1530 Product RedTM Laptop Computer (320GB HDD, 3GB)
- Dell XPS M1330 Product Red Laptop Computer (Intel Core 2 Duo T8300, 500GB HDD, 4GB)
- Dell XPS M1330 Product Red Laptop Computer (Intel T9300 Ultra/4GB)
- Dell Inspiron Mini 9 Laptop Computer (Intel N270, 8GB/1GB)
- Sony VAIO Z540NBB - Core 2 Duo P8400 2.26 GHz - 13.1" TFT
- Sony VAIO TT130N/B - Core 2 Duo SU9300 1.2 GHz - 11.1" TFT
