Apple’s new iPad tablet computer may be fine for surfing the web and watching surfing movies, but Panasonic Computer Solutions thinks many field workers need a tougher companion. On Wednesday, the maker of Toughbook mobile computers released its Toughbook H1 Field, described as the world’s most rugged handheld tablet computer.
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The new model is targeted at field sales personnel, first responders, supervisors, inspectors, maintenance workers, and other mobile professionals.
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No Wimp
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Kyp Wallis, Panasonic’s director of product management, said the H1 is best positioned to meet the computing needs of both highly mobile workers and their IT administrators. He added that the model’s design is based on extensive customer input to ensure it had the right mix of form factor, features and durability to maximize worker productivity and value.
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The H1 is no wimp. It meets military spec MIL-STD-810G, and is rated able to withstand a six-foot drop. The chassis is magnesium alloy, encased in polycarbonate, and the sealed all-weather design is IP65-certified. The operating temperature range is -4 degrees to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Built around a 1.86-GHz Intel Atom processor with 2GB of RAM, the unit has six hours of battery life, can handle twin hot-swappable batteries, and has a 10.4-inch dual-touch display. A 64GB solid-state drive is reinforced, and there is an optional 2.0-megapixel autofocus camera with dual LED lights.
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There’s also an optional SmartCard, RFID, bar code readers, GPS and Qualcomm’s new Gobi2000 mobile broadband technology. At launch, the H1 Field is certified for Sprint Nextel and Verizon Wireless networks, and Panasonic said other carriers will soon be announced.
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‘Exceptional Ergonomics’
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For workers who would use this device in direct sunlight, the screen has a circular polarizer, as well as antiglare and antireflective screen treatments.
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Since many of the target users would be holding the unit for much of the workday, Panasonic said it…