Panasonic today unveiled the world's lightest business rugged, convertible Ultrabook with a unique Flip-Over design making it ideal for mobile sales workforces and executives to use in notebook or tablet mode. Combining high usability, style, durability and long battery life with hot swappable, replaceable battery, the Toughbook CF-AX2 is one of the first ready-made Microsoft Windows 8 Pro certified devices. This means business users can have the best of both worlds, using the Toughbook CF-AX2 as both a desirable touch-screen tablet and state-of-the-art, stylish Ultrabook.

Drawing on its long pedigree of combining ergonomic and durable design, Panasonic has created the Toughbook CF-AX2 with a unique and robust 360° Flip-Over hinge design, allowing the device to be used in very different business situations and offering business users a new level of working freedom.In Notebook mode, the CF-AX2 is ideal for mobile executives who need traditional keyboard access for information input. In Tablet mode the device is ideal for sales workforces, research teams and executives who need to input data on the screen while on the move and holding the device in one hand.

Ideal for mobile workers
Weighing in at just 1.15 kg (standard model), this sleek (18 mm thick) and compact hybrid Ultrabook is ideal for workers on the move. Designed to easily deal with the knocks and scrapes of a busy mobile executives life, the CF-AX2 can withstand bottom drops of up to 76 cm and 100 kgf pressure on the screen without damage.

With its 11.6" capacitive HD (16:9) display, 10 finger multi touch, anti-glare film and various sensors the unit is optimised for the Windows 8 Pro operating system and the needs of executives working both inside and out.

The power for busy executives
With its third generation Intel Core technology, the device has the processing power to deal easily with the needs of its users. The high performing, low power consumption Intel Core i5-3427U Ultra Low Voltage CPU (1.8 GHz) and state-of-the-art storage options (4 GB RAM standard and 128 GB SSD standard) make the CF-AX2 one of the most versatile and powerful devices on the market. The Toughbook Ultrabook is supported with a 8-hour battery life (MobileMarkTM 2007, 60cd/m²) with hot swappable function for all day mobile computing.

Fully equipped for business
The Toughbook CF-AX2 is also fully equipped with all the required business ports, including VGA and HDMI for display and projector connections, two USB 3.0 ports and LAN, as well as a full SD-XC card support for camera image storage for example.

The device is also optimised for connectivity whatever the location and includes the Gobi 3000 3G module, Bluetooth 4.0 and Wireless LAN IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n.

In addition, in industries where security and information protection are mandatory, the CF-AX2 can be equipped with a contact smartcard slot. Also vPro is included and the unit can be equipped with Intel Anti Theft or Computrace solutions.

"This latest Toughbook is the new benchmark for business Ultrabook," said Jan Kaempfer, Head of European Marketing, at Panasonic Computer Product Solutions. "By utilizing business interfaces, security options, hot swappable batteries, an innovative strengthened 360° flip over hinge and its business rugged design, the CF-AX2 is designed to ideally match the needs of the busy mobile executive."

The Toughbook CF-AX2 goes on sale in Europe from January 2013. The device will be available from Panasonic official distributors, Premium Partners, ISV Partners and Registered Partners at an estimated street price of £1,331 + VAT for the standard model.