Rugged Panasonic Toughpad tablet now runs Windows 8 Pro

Local Panasonic Toughbook distributor Comworth is announcing availability of the Toughpad FZ-G1, a 10.1-inch device loaded with Windows 8 Pro and an Intel Core i5 processor in a fully-rugged package.

Comworth Toughbook & Mobility Manager Darryn Smith says this Toughpad is built for the outdoors. “The all-weather design is dust and water resistant with MIL-STD-810G and IP65 certification, while it is capable of absorbing a drop from over a metre. But probably the most surprising feature of all is that this is an all in one complete Windows 8 computer packed into just over one kilo,” he says.

Headline specifications include a 128GB solid state hard drive, 4GB of RAM and Intel vPro Core i5 processors. Connectivity in the Toughpad FZ-G1 is handled via 3G mobile broadband and WiFi with an HDMI-out and a USB 3.0 port and Bluetooth v4.0. Options include an RJ45 network connector, a legacy 9-pin serial port (useful for many field devices) and bar code reader.

A massive eight hour battery life with the option to extend to 16 hours provides users with even greater mobility and reach.

As tablet computers increasingly make their way into the workplace, delivering ease-of-use and rapid access to information impossible with traditional laptops or desktops, Smith says the availability of fully-rugged devices is a boon to outdoor workers.

The Windows 8 Toughpad provides the ability to replace the office laptop and tablet with a single all in one device.

“Running a full Windows 64-bit operating system means existing applications, such as Microsoft Office and any one of a number of ERP solutions, can easily be extended to this tablet. The Windows stack means complete manageability and corporate policies linked to Active Directory can be implemented, equipping workers in even demanding environments to access and use information more easily than ever before.”

A central feature of the rugged Toughpad is its 10.1-inch, high-definition daylight-readable, ten-point multi touch screen. Smith says the ability to clearly view a tablet outdoors is a major limiting factor for standard devices. “Where most tablets look a little like a mirror in the sunshine, the Panasonic Toughpad IPS display employs WUXGA technology at a resolution of 1920 x 1200. LED backlighting and 800 nit luminosity combines with anti-reflective and anti-glare treatments to ensure field workers can consistently use the device outdoors.”

The Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1 is engineered to withstand the hard knocks of life on the road and operate flawlessly in every environment. “Whether it is intense heat and sunlight, to pouring rain and freezing temperatures, this is a computer that can go wherever you can go,” Smith concludes.