Panasonic Debuts New Toughbook Wireless Display

Panasonic Computer Solutions Company is introducing a durable computing device specifically designed to support e-health initiatives, improve clinical care and enhance business performance. The new Panasonic Toughbook Wireless Display complements the company's full line of durable, reliable mobile computing devices.

Increased adoption of wireless technologies by healthcare organizations requires a wide variety of device types, depending on the clinical or business application. Yet, according to Gartner analyst Ken Dulaney in a May, 2005 report ("Healthcare Device Category Selection Guide"), there "is a product void in the 1-kilogram weight range."

This void, between traditional PDAs, which offer limited functionality, and standard clamshell or tablet PCs, which can be too heavy or cumbersome for regular bedside use, is addressed by the Toughbook Wireless Display, designed to offer an optimal combination of size, weight and functionality for point of care applications.

Weighing in 2.6 lbs (1.18 kg) and equipped with a 10.4" bright LCD, the Toughbook Wireless Display is a thin-client wireless solution designed to improve clinical workflow. It has no local software applications and, instead, wirelessly connects to clinical and management applications which reside on a local server, workstation or other computing resources.

The solution works with Citrix Metaframe, Windows Server or Web servers accessible via Local Wireless Area Networks (802.11), providing instant and secure access to clinical and business applications.

Toughbook Wireless Display solutions can be architected to support multiple users connected to a single server or wireless infrastructure, or in a peer-to-peer configuration, such as, for example, a computer on wheels (COW).

To enhance the reliability and security of the touch screen device, it has no hard disk drive and includes an optional finger print scanner. The Wireless Display supports wireless access to peripheral devices through Bluetooth technology and, like rugged Toughbook notebooks, the Wireless Display has been tested to resist drops, shock and vibration and is fully sealed to military specifications.