Panasonic has announced what it calls the world's lightest 3G ready notebook with a 14.1-inch wide display and internal optical drive. The notebook is called the Toughbook F8. Embedded 3G is from Gobi and can provide connectivity all around the world.

The F8 weighs 3.7 pounds and features a built-in handle for portability. Features of the F8 include a Core 2 Duo processor, up to 4GB of RAM, 160GB HDD that is shock mounted and more. Battery life is promised to be 3.7 hours, the F8 runs Windows Vista Business, and a XP downgrade is optional. Pricing for the system starts at $2,499.

“The growing trend of portability in computers–lighter weight, longer battery life, advanced wireless capabilities–needs to be balanced by true durability,” said Daniel Longfield, industry analyst, mobile and wireless, Frost & Sullivan. “Highly mobile government, enterprise and small business users need reliable connectivity to drive continued productivity. Panasonic’s proven business-rugged notebooks enabled with Gobi address this requirement.”

Via Panasonic