MusicRadar Verdict
Sturdy but not completely safeguarded in all conditions, this is nevertheless a well-built laptop
Pros
- +
Robust design. Decent performance. Good battery life
Cons
- -
Basic feature set
MusicRadar's got your back
The Panasonic Toughbook range is best known for its fully-ruggedised industrial laptops. However, the CF-52 (£1551 inc. VAT) takes a slightly different approach.
Its semi-rugged casing can be used on building sites and site maintenance, but won't offer the same degree of protection as some more specialised laptops.
The main difference is a lack of bulk and, while the ports have rubber stoppers to protect from dust and water, this isn't a sealed unit. You'll find exposed elements, such as the optical drive and SD card reader lacking protection.
The design is simple and looks like a standard issue briefcase. The body is made from magnesium-alloy and is incredibly sturdy.

Selected Ambient Shirts: Aphex Twin just dropped a 191-track playlist for sportswear brand Supreme (and there’s a rare Aphex treat buried in there too)

“I’d be running from the studio to other speakers in the house, basically going insane trying to get mixes to sound correct”: Ezra Collective’s Joe Armon-Jones on why he created his Aquarii Studios and his dub-influenced mixing technique

“People say to Pete Townshend, ‘Why do you jump about on stage?’ He doesn’t know. And it’s the same for me”: The Iron Maiden guitarist who plays every gig as if it’s the last