Panasonic Releases Toughbook H1 Field Rugged Tablet

Panasonic has announced a new rugged Tablet PC, the ToughBook H1 Field Tablet. Intriguingly it is running a a 1.86GHz Intel Atom Z540 processor, which I think might be the first Atom I’ve seen in a rugged Tablet. Input is both touch and pen (an active stylus). Panasonic is saying 6 hours of battery life and it has hot swappable power packs. Looking very much like a Motion C5/F5 with that handle on it, this looks like an intriguing Tablet for the field.  As always these rugged Tablets come with a premium price tag, this one is announced at $3379. Press release after the jump.

PANASONIC INTRODUCES TOUGHBOOK® H1 FIELD – WORLD’S MOST RUGGED HANDHELD TABLET COMPUTER

Exceptional Durability and Integrated Features Create Compelling Solution for Mobile Workers

Secaucus, NJ, February 10, 2010 – Panasonic Computer Solutions Company, manufacturer of durable, reliable Panasonic Toughbook® mobile computers, today introduced the Panasonic Toughbook H1 Field, the world’s most rugged handheld tablet computer. The new device enables extreme mobility and productivity for field sales personnel, first responders, supervisors, inspectors, maintenance workers and other highly mobile professionals. Certified to meet IP65* and MIL-STD- 810G* – with a six foot drop rating – the Toughbook H1 Field offers the durability expected of Toughbook mobile computers, so users have the confidence to work in the most demanding conditions. With optional SmartCard, RFID, and barcode readers, camera, GPS and Qualcomm’s new Gobi2000TM mobile broadband technology, the device helps to maximize mobile worker productivity.

By leveraging Panasonic’s advanced battery technology and a 1.86 GHz Intel® AtomTM processor, the Toughbook H1 Field offers a category-leading six hours of battery life, complemented by twin hot- swappable batteries that allow for limitless use, virtually eliminating down time and maximizing return on investment.

“As workforces become more mobile, it’s critical to empower them with the right tools,” said Kyp Walls, director of product management, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company. “The Toughbook H1 Field was designed based on extensive customer input to ensure it had the right mix of form factor, features and durability to maximize worker productivity and value. With so many features that exceed the performance capabilities of competitive products, we believe the Toughbook H1 Field is best positioned to meet the computing needs of highly mobile workers, along with their IT administrators.”

The Panasonic Toughbook H1 Field includes a 500 nit, 10.4” dual-touch display that offers both tablet and touchscreen functionality. The display also includes a circular polarizer, plus anti-glare and anti- reflective screen treatments, making it easily viewable in direct sunlight. Weighing only 3.4 lbs, this mobile computing platform features 2GB of RAM and a 64GB reinforced flex-connect solid state drive.

The Toughbook H1 Field offers exceptional ergonomics, including a Panasonic designed system that comfortably cradles the hand between the device and its molded hand strap. Other ergonomic features include a well-balanced center of gravity, integrated handle, thoughtful placement of integrated features and lack of hotspots, making the device safe and easy to use for long periods of time.

The Toughbook H1 Field offers a range of embedded wireless connectivity options including 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth® 2.1 and Qualcomm’s new Gobi2000TM technology which simplifies complex multi-carrier wireless deployments for IT departments. The H1 Field will be certified on the Sprint and Verizon Wireless networks, allowing workers to stay connected at all times. Other wireless carrier certifications will be announced soon.

The Toughbook H1 Field includes multiple security features, including options for a contactless or insertable SmartCard reader and a fingerprint reader, helping to ensure that critical data is kept secure.

The Toughbook H1 Field is available with a variety of productivity enhancing accessories such as carrying cases, shoulder straps, charging devices, and Toughbook tested vehicle mounting solutions. The handheld tablet can also be equipped with next generation GPS technology allowing for location- based services with improved accuracy, faster satellite acquisition time and lower power consumption.

Panasonic Toughbook® H1 Field: Select Features and Specifications
 Genuine Windows 7® (with XP Tablet downgrade option)
 Intel® AtomTM processor Z540 (1.86GHz)
 2GB RAM
 64 GB reinforced flex-connect Solid State Drive SSD
 10.4” XGA sunlight-viewable 500 nit dual-touch LCD
 Circular polarizer with anti-glare and anti-reflective screen treatments
 6 hour battery life
 Twin hot-swappable batteries
 3.4 lbs (with both batteries)
 Fully-Rugged
o MIL-STD-810G certified (6 foot drop)*
o Magnesium alloy chassis – encased in polycarbonate
o IP65 certified sealed all-weather design*
o Reinforced flex-connect Solid State Drive (SSD)
o Wide operating temperature range (-20C ~ 60C or -4F ~ 140F)
 Embedded Connectivity
o Optional integrated WWAN / Gobi2000TM mobile broadband (EV-DO and HSPA)
o Intel® WiFi Link 5100 802.11a/b/g/n
o Bluetooth® v2.1 + EDR
 Integrated Options
o Global positioning system (GPS) receiver
o 2D barcode reader (also 1D capable)
o 2.0 megapixel auto-focus camera with dual LED lights
o RFID reader
 Optional Security Features
o Fingerprint reader
o Contactless SmartCard reader
o Insertable SmartCard reader
 Integrated docking connector
 10.4” (L) x 10.6” (W) x 1.3” – 2.3” (H)

* Tested by a national independent third party test lab following MIL-STD-810G Method 516.6 Procedure IV for transit drop test and IEC 60529 Sections 13.4, 13.6.2, 14.2.5 and 14.3 for IP65.

Pricing and Availability

The Panasonic Toughbook H1 Field will be available worldwide in March 2010. In the United States, the base Toughbook H1 Field model is expected to be available at an estimated street price of $3,379 from authorized Panasonic resellers and distributors.

The Toughbook H1 Field is backed with a 3-year standard warranty and lifetime technical support.

Panasonic is focused on delivering the industry’s most reliable mobile solutions, ensuring that organizations and their mobile workforces can depend on their technology. The company’s commitment to quality results in a total of more than 500 checks and tests before, during and after production, on every Toughbook unit built.