Panasonic did celebrate their fair share of rugged devices in the past in the form of notebooks which make up the Toughbook family, and it is nice to see them branch out into the rapidly growing and expanding tablet market. We’re talking about the Panasonic Toughpad FZ-A1 here, where this particular 10″ tablet is able to deliver portable computing goodness in a rugged design, with plans being pencilled in for a 7″ durable model also rolling out sometime in the second half of next year.
The 10″ Toughpad FZ-A1, on paper, does seem to be the ideal tablet for highly mobile outdoor workers who perform their vocation in challenging conditions like aviation, construction, field service and public safety. It is nice to know that Panasonic’s tablet range, including the Toughpad, will be supported by an eco-system that comprises of a wide range of work accessories that range from vehicle mounting to ergonomic hands-free holsters.
said Hiroaki Sakamoto, Managing Director, Panasonic Computer Products Europe, says,“Consumers have enjoyed tablet computing for a number of years now with almost no uptake in the workplace due to fundamental design limitations. Now users in business and industry can also benefit from the ease of use and portability of tablet computing. Toughpad takes all the Toughbook experience of rugged computing we have gained since 1996 and focuses it into tablets designed for the workplace.”
Underneath the hood lies a dedicated, tamper-proof, security processor that will ensure the multi-purpose CPU core is free to perform other tasks. The security CPU core will make sure that your data remains safe and sound, handling software and data encryption, enhanced VPN, authentication, trusted boot and device management. Other hardware specifications include Bluetooth v2.1 + EDR connectivity, 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi support, GPS and optional 3G mobile broadband. Sure, it won’t turn heads like an iPad 2, but it will do so when you drop it on concrete and pick it up without a second glance.
