Panasonic launches one of the world''s most rugged 5 inch handheld tablet with data and voice capabilites

“They may be small but these latest Panasonic Toughpads are the toughest, most powerful and longest lasting in their class and address the key challenges of businesses wishing to deploy the most mobile work devices,” said Jan Kaempfer, General Manager of Marketing for Panasonic Computer Product Solutions. “They are rugged to withstand 3m drops, extreme temperatures and even water submersion. They have a crystal clear, sunlight readable HD touchscreen display for easy use, a powerful Qualcomm® Quad Core Processor to handle the latest applications with ease, the broadest range of business configuration options and a 1,000 hours standby, hot swappable battery to work in the field as long as required.”

The Toughpad FZ-E1, powered by Microsoft''s latest handheld OS platform Windows Embedded 8.1 Handheld, and the Toughpad FZ-X1, running the Android TM 4.2.2 operating system, represent a significant expansion of Panasonic''s Toughpad line, the world''s most comprehensive portfolio of enterprise-focused tablets.

Fully Rugged, Secure and Enterprise-Ready

With resistance to drops of up to 3m to concrete, the Toughpad FZ-E1 and Toughpad FZ-X1 go beyond MIL-STD-810G specifications to assure reliability. Both devices are fully sealed against dust and are submersible in up to 1.5 meter of water for up to 30 minutes, meeting IP68 certification requirements. The devices can operate in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 60°C thanks to a built-in heater, and are also tested for resistance to impact, shock, vibration, altitude and extreme humidity.

The devices'' numerous unique enterprise-grade features include a sunlight-readable, anti-reflective HD (1280x720) 10-point capacitive, toughened multi-touchscreen display that works even with heavy gloves. It includes a rain-sensing feature that allows for single touch use even in pouring rain. In addition to an 8MP rear camera with bright LED flash and a 1.3MP front camera, configuration options are available such as an integrated”/2D barcode reader and a gadget expanssion facility allows enterprises to customise the ideal tool for their workforces. Programmable, function buttons make customising the device for one touch access to favourite applications easy to achieve.

Voice and Data Connectivity

The Toughpad FZ-E1 and Toughpad FZ-X1 are the first devices in the Toughpad line to offer voice connectivity. Both models will be available with voice and data on 4G LTE/3G/GPRS. Standard on both models is an integrated Micro USB port, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, near field communications (NFC), standalone GPS and Bluetooth® v4.0 (Class 1). The integrated high accuracy GPS functionality is ideal for field workers that require navigation in vehicles and pin-point location capabilities, with accuracy to between 2-4m.

Clear Voice Communications

To ensure clear voice communication above construction or automobile engine noise, the devices are equipped with 3 mics for intelligent noise cancellation and dual front speakers reaching an astounding maximum volume of 100 dB — which ensures voice could be clearly heard even in very noisy construction sites.

Industry-Leading 14-Hours* Battery Life

A major requirement for enterprise mobile solutions is strong full-shift battery performance. With a 6,200mAh battery providing up to 14 hours of continuous data access based on Panasonic test conditions, the Toughpad FZ-E1 and Toughpad FZ-X1 are purpose-built to enable workforce productivity. A quick- charging feature allows for a 50% charge in approximately 1 hour** and full charge in approximately 3 hours** with a Hot Swap functionality that allows a depleted battery to be swapped out for a fresh one without powering down the device, providing virtually unlimited use. Single battery standby time is approximately 1,000 hours and talk time 23 hours.

Both the Toughpad FZ-E1 and the Toughpad FZ-X1 are supported by an ecosystem of accessories — such as holsters, hand straps, vehicle mounts and desktop cradles — making it a wearable and mountable tablet solution for the mobile work force.

The Panasonic Toughpad FZ-X1 (Android TM version) is available now

The Panasonic Toughpad FZ-E1 (Windows Embedded 8.1 Handheld version) will be available in November