CES 2013: Panasonic Unveils Two New Ruggedized Toughpad Tablets Running Windows 8 and Android
Subject: General Tech | January 9, 2013 - 02:51 AM | Tim Verry
Tagged: CES, windows 8, toughpad, tablet, ruggedized, Panasonic, Android, ces 2013
Panasonic is continuing to branch out from ruggedized notebooks into the world of tablets, and this time around the company is releasing two new ruggedized tablets that succeed the current-generation FZ-A1. The new Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1 will run Windows 8 Pro while the JT-B1 will run Android 4.0 and use ARM hardware.
The Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1 packs some respectable hardware for this type of ruggedized product. A dual core (with HyperThreading for four total threads) Intel Core i5-3437U processor running at 1.9GHz base/2.9GHz turbo, up to 8GB of RAM, and up to a 256GB SSD comprise the basic internal specifications. On the outside is a 10.1” touchscreen with active digitizer along with USB 3.0, USB 2.0, HDMI, microSDXC, RJ45, and serial ports. The FZ-G1 can also host a dedicated GPS and tap into Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular networks. The tablet is rated for various Mil-spec standards such that it can survive harsh working environments of industrial, military, public safety, et al jobs. The tablet does not come cheap though, as the ruggedized form factor comes at a high price – starting at $2,899 for the base model. Still, it is interesting to see that tablets are even being embraced in roles that ruggedized notebooks have long dominated. Notably, Panasonic has stated that it hopes to capture 50% of the ruggedized tablet market by 2015.
| Processor | Intel Core-i5 3437U @ 1.9GHz (2.9GHz turbo) |
| Memory | 4-8GB |
| Storage | 128-256GB SSD |
| Display | 10.1" touchscreen w/ active digitizer @ 1920x1200 |
| IO | Full size: USB 3.0, HDMI, micro SDXC (optional), USB 2.0, LAN, and serial port or dedicated GPS. |
| Wireless | 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, optional 4G LTE or 3G |
| Dimensions | 10.6" x 7.4" x 0.75" |
| Weight | 2.43 lbs |
| OS | Windows 8 Pro |
| Rugged | MIL-STD-810G, 4' drop, IP65, 14° to 122°F (operational temp range) |
While the FZ-G1 runs Windows and has x86-64 hardware, the Panasonic Toughpad JT-B1 is smaller and goes with ARM internals and Google’s Android mobile OS. This 7” tablet maintains the same MIL-spec ratings as its bigger sibling, but weighs half as much. The JT-B1 features a 7” touchscreen with a resolution of 1024x600, a front and rear camera, and a micro USB port on the outside. Internally, the JT-B1 tablet includes a dual core TI OMAP 4660 (similar to the SoC used in Amazon’s Kindle HD tablets) running at 1.5GHz, 1GB of RAM, 16GB ROM for storage, and Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular radios.
The Panasonic JT-B1 will run Android 4.0 and has a starting price of $1,199 making it only viable for the specialized industries that need such a ruggedized device--it is no Nexus 7 (but that’s a good thing for certain jobs).
| Processor | TI OMAP 4460 @ 1.5GHz (dual core) |
| Memory | 1GB |
| Storage | 16GB ROM |
| Display | 7" touchscreen @ 1024x600 |
| IO | Micro USB, Front 1.3MP webcam, rear 13MP autofocus camera with LED flash |
| Wireless | 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, optional 4G LTE and 3G |
| Dimensions | 8.7"x 5.1" x 0.7" |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs |
| OS | Android 4.0 |
| Rugged | MIL-STD-810G, 5' drop, IP65, 14° to 122°F (operational temp range) |
Both of the Panasonic Toughpads will be available later this year. The FZ-G1 will be available in March for $2,899 and the JT-B1 will be available in February for $1,199. You can find the full press release over at Engadget.
| Tablet | Pricing (base) | Availability |
| Panasonic FZ-G1 | $2,899 | March |
| Panasonic JT-B1 | $1,199 | February |
PC Perspective's CES 2013 coverage is sponsored by AMD.
Follow all of our coverage of the show at http://pcper.com/ces!
Panasonic Launches Ruggedized ToughPad A1 and B1 Tablets
Subject: Mobile | January 10, 2012 - 11:52 PM | Tim Verry
Tagged: toughpad, tablet, ruggedized, Panasonic, mobile, CES, Android
Panasonic dropped a new tablet on us at CES. Literally, they dropped the tablet on stage to show just how tough their new ruggedized ToughPad really is. The A1 and B1 ToughPad tablets are Android powered 10" and 7" tablets rated to be dust and water resistant. Both tablets are MIL-STD-810G and IP65 rated and ready to perform in very extreme work environments.
The ToughPad A1 is Panasonic's 10" Android tablet and brings some decent hardware to bear. On the outside, the ruggedized exterior and rubberized edges absorb shock and keep dust and water out. The front of the tablet includes a 10" multi-touch display with a resolution of 1024 x 768 and 500 nit brightness. The touchscreen can be used by either finger gestures or an included digitizer. Further, the front of the tablet houses a 2 megapixel front camera as well as microphone, ambient light, accelerometer, and digital compass sensors. The tablet internals include a 1.2 GHz Marvell dual core processor, 1 GB of RAM, 16 GB of internal memory, Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth v2.1 + EDR, and optional 3G or 4G modems. A lithium Ion battery rated at 7.4 volts, 4690 mAh is also nestled inside. A microSDHC card slot, micro USB 2.0, and micro-HDMI connector as well as a stylus holder are also present. The device runs Android 3.2 and supports TPM chips and hardware encryption. It weighs 2.1 pounds (the price of going rugged, I suppose) and has an MSRP of $1200 USD.
The B1 model is the 7" version and will be available in the fall. Exact specifications on this model are not yet known; however, expect it to follow closely in line with it's bigger sibling's dual core processor, 1 GB of RAM, ruggedized exterior, and hefty price tag.
Unfortunately, all I can think about when looking at this tablet is how the heck Panasonic expects to sell this for $1200 bucks. This is definitely not a consumer tablet and moreso something businesses will invest in for workers in harsh (to electronics anyway) environments.
PC Perspective's CES 2012 coverage is sponsored by MSI Computer.
Follow all of our coverage of the show at http://pcper.com/ces!
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