Panasonic's newly announced MX4 is one tough 2-in-1 convertible

The MX4 combines both the notebook and tablet into a single product, nothing we haven't seen already. What's interesting is the inclusion of the 5th generation Intel Core i5-5300U processor and its very own stylus. Then you have Windows 8.1 Pro, a 12.5-inch IPS Full HD display (with touchscreen support) and even an embedded thin nib stylus for hand-written notes.

Since the laptop itself is tailored for business customers, Panasonic has opted to include HDMI, LAN, VGA, SD card and two USB 3.0 ports.

"This Panasonic Toughbook's upper chassis of the keyboard unit is made of a new magnesium alloy called UHD alloy. UHD alloy combines carbon with magnesium to create a new lightweight yet tough material. The device is designed to take the knocks and scrapes that frequent travelling can deliver and it has been tested to withstand a 76cm fall and 100-kgf of pressurized vibration."

Finally, the Toughbook will be able to withstand up to 13 hours of use, but the battery is hot-swappable for replacements should you have any to spare in the bag. The Panasonic Toughbook CF-MX4 will be available from the end of April 2015 and prices start at £1504 (excluding VAT).

WIESBADEN, GERMANY. 23rd APRIL 2015 Busy business executives that make the most of their mobile technology and want quality with style have a new champion with the introduction of the Panasonic Toughbook CF-MX4 flipover convertible. It combines notebook and tablet capabilities with a sleek yet durable design, housing the latest 5th Generation Intel® Core™ i5-5300U vPro™ Processor, continuous working capability and all the business functionality you could need.

Ideal for Corporate Executives, Sales People, Creative Professionals or Market Researchers, the 2-in1 laptop and tablet, with its own stylus, can easily slip between business meetings, office work, creative applications, presentations and data entry to provide the perfect business working companion.

Multi-touch with embedded thin nib stylus

With full Windows 8.1 Pro support, the Panasonic Toughbook CF-MX4 has a 12.5" IPS Full HD Capacitive 10-finger multi-touch display to make the most of the latest screen technology. In addition, for the first time in a business rugged Panasonic Toughbook, an embedded thin nib stylus for hand written notes has been included.

Latest 5th Gen Intel® CPU

Users will have all the computing power they need with the latest state-of-the-art Intel® 5th Generation Processor, Intel® Core™ i5-5300U vPro™ Processor (3 MB cache, 2.3 GHz up to 2.9 GHz with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology). To ensure the mobile worker has enough space for all their applications and documents, the device has 4GB or 8GB RAM and 128GB or 256GB SSD storage so customers can select at the time of purchase based upon their usage condition.

Business Tough with world's first commercialized use of UHD alloy

Despite its high performance capabilities, the Panasonic Toughbook CF-MX4 has a lightweight and slim design (1.14 kg [1] and 21 mm thick) combined with the business rugged capabilities and three-year warranty that you expect from the Toughbook range. This Panasonic Toughbook's upper chassis of the keyboard unit is made of a new magnesium alloy called UHD alloy. UHD alloy combines carbon with magnesium to create a new lightweight yet tough material. The device is designed to take the knocks and scrapes that frequent travelling can deliver and it has been tested to withstand a 76cm [2] fall and 100-kgf [3] of pressurized vibration. Rapid and regular conversion from clamshell to tablet will also be no issue with its innovative and durable 360°hinge design.

Business Ready

Equipped with a rich set of business interfaces and wireless connectivity, the Panasonic Toughbook CF-MX4 ensures the user is always connected whether at their desk or in the field. Business ports include 2x USB 3.0, 1x HDMI, 1x LAN, 1x VGA, 1x SD card slot and an optional smart card reader. For fast data transfer the device includes Wireless LAN a/b/g/n/ac (up to 866.7 Mbps), Bluetooth® and 4G LTE as option. Ideal for web conferencing, there is also a 2MP webcam with stereo microphones.

Continuous operation

Designed to work as long as the busy executive, the Panasonic Toughbook CF-MX4 can operate for up to 13 hrs and has an end-user removable, hot swap battery to allow continuous operation without interruption.

"Today's busy executive has a new work hero in the Toughbook CF-MX4," said Jan Kaempfer, General Manager of Marketing for Panasonic Computer Product Solutions. "It offers the best of both worlds with its tablet and laptop capaility packed into a tough exterior with knock-out looks and unrivalled functionality."

The Panasonic Toughbook CF-MX4 will be available from end of April 2015 (ex-factory) and prices start at £1504 (excluding VAT).

Rich Edmonds
Senior Editor, PC Build

Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.