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Introducing the Panasonic Toughpad FZ-M1

Announcement posted by Comworth 10 Apr 2014

World’s thinnest and lightest Windows 8 7’’ Tablet
With the introduction of Panasonic’s smallest Windows 8.1 Pro tabletyet, the boundaries for fully-rugged mobile computing are pushed into entirely new territory. The Toughpad FZ-M1 is a pocket sized, fanless Intel Core i5 tablet, built around a 7-inch outdoor display – and it delivers enough battery power to get field operatives through a 9 to 5 working day.

FZM1 750What that means, says New Zealand Toughpad distributorComworth Technologies, is fully-functional go-anywhere computing which weighs in at just over half a kilogram (540g). “The FZ-M1 has roughly the same dimensions and slightly more weight than a standard 7-inch Android tablet, yet it delivers the power and versatility of a full Windows stack and Intel processing power,” points out Darryn Smith, Panasonic Toughbook Channel Manager at Comworth.

What’s more, as a fully-rugged device, the Toughpad FZ-M1 can be dropped from as high as 1.5 metres without missing a beat; it is water and dust resistant (certified to the IP65 ingress protection standard) and it has a high-resolution WXGA multi-touch capacitive display which is viewable even in bright sunlight.

“That makes this device unique among 7-inch tablets and ideally suited to manufacturing, logistics and utility workers. Anywhere they need high end processing power in a compact form factor,” Smith observes.

But perhaps the most impressive specifications of the Toughpad FZ-M1 is it’s processing power and standard battery life of up to 8 hours. “One of the historical limitations of Intel-based mobile computing is the heat generated by these powerful processors and the consequent drain on the battery,” says Smith.


The FZ-M1 overcomes that with its combination of a Core i5-4302Y vPro CPU (1.6GHz, 3MB cache) and integrated Intel HD 4200 graphics. With the addition of an optional extended-life battery, it can run for up to 16 hours, while optional hot-swappable capability means users can take a spare and change the battery in the field.

Other headline specifications include 4GB RAM as standard (8GB max), a 128GB solid-state drive (256GB optional), a USB port, and 2MP front- and 5MP rear cameras. The FZ-M1 is equipped with Bluetooth 4.0 with Enhanced Data Rate, GPS, Dual band WiFi and has 4G as an option.

Designed to optimise the efficiency of field workers, the Toughpad FZ-M1 offers a flexible configuration port capable of serial or LAN connection, or adding a 2D Barcode Reader, or Near Field Communication. The integrated business expansion module allows addition of RFID, UHF RFID or a Smartcard Reader.
“With the Toughpad FZ-M1, fully-rugged, pocket-size Windows 8.1 computing is a reality for the first time. Never before has so much flexibility and performance been packed into such a compact, durable tablet with such great outdoor viewing capability,” Smith concludes.


Quick reference specifications: Panasonic Toughpad FZ-M1

  • Fanless Intel Core i5-4302Y vPro Processor
  • Windows 8.1 Pro
  • Intel HD 4200 graphics
  • 7″ WXGA (1200×800) outdoor display (up to 500cd/m2)
  • Capacitive 5 finger multi-touchscreen
  • 150cm shock resistant
  • Water and dust resistant (IP65)
  • Up to 8 hours battery life (up to 16 hours with optional high capacity battery)
  • Flexible configuration port (serial, LAN, 2D Barcode Reader, NFC)
  • Integrated business expansion module (RFID, UHF RFID, Smartcard Reader)
  • Weights approx. 540g

Toughpad: Built Kiwi Tough