Doing business in the field? There’s a Toughpad for that.

Panasonic introduces new members to rugged range

With the growing worldwide popularity of computing in demanding work environments, manufacturer Panasonic is expanding the range of its Toughpad products to meet any need. The Panasonic Toughpad range, distributed in New Zealand by Comworth Technologies, now includes two Android and three Windows Pro devices, offering a range of form factors and operating systems to address the diverse needs and budgets of Kiwi companies.

The Toughpad range now consists of:

• FZ-G1 10.1-inch Intel Core i5 Windows 8.1 Toughpad
• FZ-M1 7-inch Core i5 Windows 8.1 Toughpad 8.1
• FZ-A1 10.1-inch Android Toughpad
• JT-B1 7-inch Android Toughbook
• CF-AX2 11.6-inch Windows 8 Ultrabook

Features unique to Panasonic’s Toughpad range include magnesium alloy chassis and elastomer bumpers which support a 1.5 metre drop rating, outdoors-viewable anti-glare LCD displays,resistance to water and dust (IP65), as well as vibration and shock (MIL-STD 810G) protection. Just how tough a Toughpad is can be demonstrated by the display unit in Comworth’s offices – which operates quite happily under a constant stream of water.

Comworth Toughbook and Mobility channel manager Darryn Smith notes that for business computing, one size doesn’t fit all. “The Toughpad range is designed for work, not play. As a result, each of the devices in the range offers a high base specification but also offers a degree of customisability so it can be configured to meet very specific business requirements.”

The 10.1-inch devices, he continues, are finding their niche in applications where a bigger screen is preferable to the ‘ultra-portability’ of their 7-inch cousins. “With a choice of Android or full Windows in the larger-screen devices, businesses can choose a Toughpad that best suits their needs.”

For example, road construction company Fulton Hogan has opted for Windows 8 Pro FZ-G1 devices, which accompany staff members in their vehicles. The Toughpads are capable of running all its enterprise applications, extending powerful mobility into the field in a compact, truck-mounted package.

Meanwhile, Waikato veterinary practice VetFocus has chosen theAndroid-based FZ-A1; with vets using these devices in paddocks and cow sheds, lighter weight means better portability.

“These are just two examples of how the range of options available from the Toughpad range allows different businesses to get the specification they need to meet rugged computing needs,” notes Smith.

The addition of the newer, smaller form factors take that flexibility even further while meeting a growing market for more compact devices. That’s confirmed by Program Manager for market watcher IDC’s Mobility Tracker Ryan Reith, who in a 2013 research note observed, “Clearly the market is moving toward smart 7-8 inch devices.” IDC further notes that ‘another major shift in the tablet market has occurred around screen sizes’ and forecasts that devices with screen sizes of under 8 inches will account for 57% of worldwide sales by 2017.

Smith says introduction of the smaller form factor to the Toughpad range started with the Android JT-B1. Despite its compact size, the device offers specifications which include a 13-megapixel camera, WiFi (a/b/g/n) and Bluetooth 4.0 Enhanced Data Rate.

But the recent introduction of the Windows 8.1 Pro Toughpad FZ-M1 is cause for real excitement, he believes. “This is a remarkable device, essentially packing a complete ‘Wintel’ computer into a lunchbox-sized package. From an engineering perspective alone, it’s quite an achievement.”

The device weighs just 540 grams – perhaps heavy for a pocket, but it will go into a large one. The result is a rugged mobile device which makes truly mobile enterprise computing possible.

“Today, Toughpad delivers more options to suit the rugged computing needs of mobile workforces. Whether it is a 10.1-inch screen or a 7-inch device, whether Android or a full-power Windows 8 Pro, Panasonic has a tough device to meet all needs,” Smith concludes.