Panasonic on Wednesday entered the notebook computer market in India with the launch of six models targeted at the verticals where wear and tear is high.

Billed as the toughest notebook computers in the market, the company has priced the semi-rugged variety from Rs 170,000 onwards, while the rugged laptops have been priced at Rs 250,000 onwards.

Brand named ToughBook, Panasonic would launch the notebooks initially in the Mumbai and Delhi markets.

"We are targetting defence, oil exploration companies, ports, utility companies and all other segments that need to use the notebooks outdoor," Shashi Bhusan, business head of office automation and IT at Panasonic India, said.

In next six to seven months we expect to sell 5,000 units and talks have been held with the target users, he said.

"ToughBooks are made as per US military wartime specifications and have a market share of 74 per cent in the 'ruggedised PC category' as per research," Chishima Susumu, director, Panasonic Systems Asia Pacific, said.

The notebooks have a proprietary magnesium alloy casing which is 20 times stronger than ABS plastic and five times stronger than titanium.

The hard disk in the notebooks come in a metal casing with sponge and polymer compounds that insulate it from any shock.

The notebooks do not have any vent and all its covers are sealed with synthetic resin to protect against water and dust.

They also come with an outdoor readable LCD screen.

"The notebooks will be available through our sole national distributor. We will also use IT retail channels (to push these notebooks)," Bhushan said. -- PTI

(Above) A launch attendant showers the newly launched Panasonic 'ToughBook' laptop in New Delhi on Wednesday. Photograph: Manan Vatsyayana / AFP / Getty Images