Panasonic expands rugged Toughbook lineup for Australia’s mobile workforce with new semi-rugged and Android offerings
Announcement posted by Porter Novelli 28 Sep 2015
Powerful, portable Toughbook CF-54 and Toughpad FZ-B2 rugged 7-inch Android tablet added to Panasonic fleet
Sydney, 28 September 2015 – Panasonic Australia continues to expand its Toughbook lineup of rugged solutions for mobile workers with the introduction of the new semi-rugged CF-54 Windows Toughbook, one of the thinnest and lightest semi-rugged laptops available; and the durable and highly configurable FZ-B2 Android Toughpad tablet, designed to stand up to challenging environments.
Stuart Buxton, Senior Product Marketing Manager, Toughbook, Panasonic, said: “The Toughbook CF-54 is the ideal tool for mobile workers in sectors from government to field service, utilities and sales. Users who are involved in areas such as repairs and maintenance and spend time on the road as well as behind a desk, need durability and reliability beyond that offered by a standard laptop.”
When customers want to drive workforce automation in tough environments such as logistics and warehousing, the Toughpad FZ-B2 is highly portable and configurable with a fully-rugged dust and water resistant design.
Stuart Buxton added: “The business that is ready for the future is a mobile one. With the widest rugged lineup in the industry, including fully-rugged and semi-rugged PCs and tablets powered by both Windows and Android, the Toughbook family can be tailored to meet the needs of any mobile worker, in any business, in any industry.”
The CF-54 is equipped with the latest 5th Generation Intel® Core vPro Processor, delivering increased performance and lower power consumption. The 14.0” display can be supplied in either Full HD (1920x1080), or Full HD with capacitive multi-touch touchscreen to offer the clarity and visual detail required by different operatives. It has the latest Windows 8.1 Pro Update operating system with an option for Windows 7 Professional (available through downgrade rights from Windows 8.1 Pro).
A semi-rugged device, the CF-54 is the best protected in its category with magnesium plating used on all four-sides, full keyboard and display area spill protection, and a honeycomb-style bonnet to provide maximum protection from impacts. The device can survive drops of up to 76cm, and for ease of use, the CF-54 comes with its own integrated carry handle. For long operational time on the road, the unit offers up to 11 hours of battery life, and up to 18 hours with an optional hot-swappable second battery.
With its rugged design, long battery life, daylight viewable display and flexible configuration options, the 7” Android FZ-B2 is the perfect work tool for mobile workers using light applications or businesses taking advantage of open source operating systems. It is conveniently compatible with the same accessories as Panasonic’s popular 7-inch Windows powered Toughpad FZ-M1 tablet. It has a fully rugged MIL-STD-810G sealed IP65 dust and water-resistant design, and supports long run time with a 7-hour standard battery and a 14-hour high-capacity battery.
Pricing and availability
Toughbook CF-54 starting from $2,849 RRP, available now
Toughpad FZ-B2 starting from $1,599 RRP, available now
Both models are available from authorised Panasonic Toughbook distributors and resellers.
Key features
Toughbook CF-54: Key Features
The CF-54 has a rugged and portable MIL-STD-810G magnesium alloy design with built-in handle. Tested by an independent third-party lab to survive 76cm drops on 26 surfaces, the CF-54 features port covers, a spill-resistant keyboard, touchpad, hinges and display. The CF-54 offers improved vibration resistance and uses tough magnesium alloy in more areas as compared to the Toughbook CF-53.
For mobile workers moving from one location to another, the versatility to connect when on the move is an important consideration. The CF-54 comes with the complete range of interfaces including a standard LAN port, VGA and HDMI for data projectors, printers and displays, a True Serial port for connection to legacy systems, USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports and a SD card slot. Wireless LAN a/b/g/n/ac (up to 866 Mbps) and Bluetooth® v4.0 are included for fast data transfer. The device has a docking connector for vehicle or desktop mounting and an option for 4G LTE, dual pass through antenna, Contactless Smart Card Reader and Fingerprint reader.
This modular Toughbook is also the most configurable semi-rugged notebook to be designed by Panasonic. Thanks to the optional configuration area, a DVD drive or 2nd Battery or PC card slot or Smart Card Reader could be configured based on customer requirement. In addition, a separate configuration port is also available which can be used for a 2nd LAN or Rugged USB or dedicated GPS or 4th USB 2.0 port.
Camera options include a 2 megapixel webcam ensuring communications can be carried out in any location or environment. The device can also be fitted with an optional backlit keyboard for easy operation in the dark.
The Toughbook is equipped with: 5th Generation Intel® Core™ i5-5300U vPro™ Processor (3MB cache, 2.3GHz up to 2.9GHz with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology); Intel® HD Graphics 5500 or optional AMD FirePro™ M5100 graphics processor. Operating system is Windows 8.1 Pro Update 64-bit or Windows 7 Professional (available through downgrade rights from Windows 8.1 Pro).
Toughbook FZ-B2: key features
The fanless Toughpad FZ-B2 leads the fast growing 7” Android tablet market for processing power and memory. Running the Android 4.4 operating system, the device uses the latest state-of-art Intel® Celeron® Processor N2930 (Quad Core 1.83GHz up to 2.16GHz), with a market leading 2GB RAM and 32GB of storage capacity.
With built-in battery saving technology such as its ambient light sensor, the FZ-B2 can operate for up to 7 hours on its replaceable battery on a 2.5 hour charge time. For those who need to work longer, a hot swappable battery set-up can be established using the configurable port options.
Using the latest LCD technology, the Toughpad FZ-B2 offers unrivalled levels of viewing quality for 7” tablet users working inside or outside. Offering extra wide viewing angles, strengthened glass, high contrast ratio and 500cd/m² high brightness paired with a Panasonic anti-reflection layer, the WXGA (1280x800) resolution screen is purpose built to perform in any light conditions with 5 finger capacitive touch screen capabilities.
For users needing live video conference capabilities or to capture photographic images of documentation in the field, the FZ-B2 is equipped with a 2 megapixel front web camera with mic and 5 megapixel rear camera.
Built for today but with the future in mind, the FZ-B2 is optimised for connectivity whatever the location and includes the latest WLAN 802.11ac technology for the fastest data transfer and Bluetooth® v4.0.
Weighing in at just 540g and 18mm thin, the Toughpad FZ-B2 is also highly flexible with configuration options to transform the tablet for vertical applications. Configurable integrated options include 2D barcode reader, Smartcard reader, 4G using the latest Gobi 5000 technology, vehicle pass through antenna and an option for a hot swappable battery. As standard, the Toughpad FZ-B2 includes a full size USB 3.0, microSD, and headset input.
Built for the rigors of business, the FZ-B2 is drop tested to 150cm as well as having an IP65 ingress protection rating for resistance to dust and water and it will operate effectively in temperatures ranging from -10 to +50°C.
To ensure mobile workers can make the most of their FZ-B2, a full array of purpose built accessories is available including a desktop cradle, vehicle dock, multi battery charger, rotating hand straps, carry cases and capacitive touchscreen pens.
The new models are available from authorised Panasonic Toughbook distributors and resellers. For more information visit www.panasonic.com.au.
About Panasonic Toughbook
Panasonic Toughbooks are used extensively worldwide by mobile professionals, field workers, the military, utilities, heavy industry, emergency services and organisations where durable mobile computing is critical to maximising productivity and uptime.
RELEASED BY PANASONIC AUSTRALIA
Media Enquiries:
Shona Hannon (Panasonic Australia) Kirilly Mallard (Porter Novelli)
(02) 9491 7629 (02) 8987 2100
shona.hannon@au.panasonic.com kmallard@porternovelli.com.au
Stuart Buxton, Senior Product Marketing Manager, Toughbook, Panasonic, said: “The Toughbook CF-54 is the ideal tool for mobile workers in sectors from government to field service, utilities and sales. Users who are involved in areas such as repairs and maintenance and spend time on the road as well as behind a desk, need durability and reliability beyond that offered by a standard laptop.”
When customers want to drive workforce automation in tough environments such as logistics and warehousing, the Toughpad FZ-B2 is highly portable and configurable with a fully-rugged dust and water resistant design.
Stuart Buxton added: “The business that is ready for the future is a mobile one. With the widest rugged lineup in the industry, including fully-rugged and semi-rugged PCs and tablets powered by both Windows and Android, the Toughbook family can be tailored to meet the needs of any mobile worker, in any business, in any industry.”
The CF-54 is equipped with the latest 5th Generation Intel® Core vPro Processor, delivering increased performance and lower power consumption. The 14.0” display can be supplied in either Full HD (1920x1080), or Full HD with capacitive multi-touch touchscreen to offer the clarity and visual detail required by different operatives. It has the latest Windows 8.1 Pro Update operating system with an option for Windows 7 Professional (available through downgrade rights from Windows 8.1 Pro).
A semi-rugged device, the CF-54 is the best protected in its category with magnesium plating used on all four-sides, full keyboard and display area spill protection, and a honeycomb-style bonnet to provide maximum protection from impacts. The device can survive drops of up to 76cm, and for ease of use, the CF-54 comes with its own integrated carry handle. For long operational time on the road, the unit offers up to 11 hours of battery life, and up to 18 hours with an optional hot-swappable second battery.
With its rugged design, long battery life, daylight viewable display and flexible configuration options, the 7” Android FZ-B2 is the perfect work tool for mobile workers using light applications or businesses taking advantage of open source operating systems. It is conveniently compatible with the same accessories as Panasonic’s popular 7-inch Windows powered Toughpad FZ-M1 tablet. It has a fully rugged MIL-STD-810G sealed IP65 dust and water-resistant design, and supports long run time with a 7-hour standard battery and a 14-hour high-capacity battery.
Pricing and availability
Toughbook CF-54 starting from $2,849 RRP, available now
Toughpad FZ-B2 starting from $1,599 RRP, available now
Both models are available from authorised Panasonic Toughbook distributors and resellers.
Key features
Toughbook CF-54: Key Features
The CF-54 has a rugged and portable MIL-STD-810G magnesium alloy design with built-in handle. Tested by an independent third-party lab to survive 76cm drops on 26 surfaces, the CF-54 features port covers, a spill-resistant keyboard, touchpad, hinges and display. The CF-54 offers improved vibration resistance and uses tough magnesium alloy in more areas as compared to the Toughbook CF-53.
For mobile workers moving from one location to another, the versatility to connect when on the move is an important consideration. The CF-54 comes with the complete range of interfaces including a standard LAN port, VGA and HDMI for data projectors, printers and displays, a True Serial port for connection to legacy systems, USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports and a SD card slot. Wireless LAN a/b/g/n/ac (up to 866 Mbps) and Bluetooth® v4.0 are included for fast data transfer. The device has a docking connector for vehicle or desktop mounting and an option for 4G LTE, dual pass through antenna, Contactless Smart Card Reader and Fingerprint reader.
This modular Toughbook is also the most configurable semi-rugged notebook to be designed by Panasonic. Thanks to the optional configuration area, a DVD drive or 2nd Battery or PC card slot or Smart Card Reader could be configured based on customer requirement. In addition, a separate configuration port is also available which can be used for a 2nd LAN or Rugged USB or dedicated GPS or 4th USB 2.0 port.
Camera options include a 2 megapixel webcam ensuring communications can be carried out in any location or environment. The device can also be fitted with an optional backlit keyboard for easy operation in the dark.
The Toughbook is equipped with: 5th Generation Intel® Core™ i5-5300U vPro™ Processor (3MB cache, 2.3GHz up to 2.9GHz with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology); Intel® HD Graphics 5500 or optional AMD FirePro™ M5100 graphics processor. Operating system is Windows 8.1 Pro Update 64-bit or Windows 7 Professional (available through downgrade rights from Windows 8.1 Pro).
Toughbook FZ-B2: key features
The fanless Toughpad FZ-B2 leads the fast growing 7” Android tablet market for processing power and memory. Running the Android 4.4 operating system, the device uses the latest state-of-art Intel® Celeron® Processor N2930 (Quad Core 1.83GHz up to 2.16GHz), with a market leading 2GB RAM and 32GB of storage capacity.
With built-in battery saving technology such as its ambient light sensor, the FZ-B2 can operate for up to 7 hours on its replaceable battery on a 2.5 hour charge time. For those who need to work longer, a hot swappable battery set-up can be established using the configurable port options.
Using the latest LCD technology, the Toughpad FZ-B2 offers unrivalled levels of viewing quality for 7” tablet users working inside or outside. Offering extra wide viewing angles, strengthened glass, high contrast ratio and 500cd/m² high brightness paired with a Panasonic anti-reflection layer, the WXGA (1280x800) resolution screen is purpose built to perform in any light conditions with 5 finger capacitive touch screen capabilities.
For users needing live video conference capabilities or to capture photographic images of documentation in the field, the FZ-B2 is equipped with a 2 megapixel front web camera with mic and 5 megapixel rear camera.
Built for today but with the future in mind, the FZ-B2 is optimised for connectivity whatever the location and includes the latest WLAN 802.11ac technology for the fastest data transfer and Bluetooth® v4.0.
Weighing in at just 540g and 18mm thin, the Toughpad FZ-B2 is also highly flexible with configuration options to transform the tablet for vertical applications. Configurable integrated options include 2D barcode reader, Smartcard reader, 4G using the latest Gobi 5000 technology, vehicle pass through antenna and an option for a hot swappable battery. As standard, the Toughpad FZ-B2 includes a full size USB 3.0, microSD, and headset input.
Built for the rigors of business, the FZ-B2 is drop tested to 150cm as well as having an IP65 ingress protection rating for resistance to dust and water and it will operate effectively in temperatures ranging from -10 to +50°C.
To ensure mobile workers can make the most of their FZ-B2, a full array of purpose built accessories is available including a desktop cradle, vehicle dock, multi battery charger, rotating hand straps, carry cases and capacitive touchscreen pens.
The new models are available from authorised Panasonic Toughbook distributors and resellers. For more information visit www.panasonic.com.au.
oOo
About Panasonic Toughbook
Panasonic Toughbooks are used extensively worldwide by mobile professionals, field workers, the military, utilities, heavy industry, emergency services and organisations where durable mobile computing is critical to maximising productivity and uptime.
RELEASED BY PANASONIC AUSTRALIA
Media Enquiries:
Shona Hannon (Panasonic Australia) Kirilly Mallard (Porter Novelli)
(02) 9491 7629 (02) 8987 2100
shona.hannon@au.panasonic.com kmallard@porternovelli.com.au