Panasonic launches ToughPad

 

Windows 8, Android tablets 

Panasonic India today unveiled four new rugged mobile computing devices for the Indian enterprise market. The company showcased tablets based on Windows 8 as well as Android platforms, as well as handheld computers for logistics industry. These devices are aimed at industries like automotive, aviation, telecom, utility, retail, manufacturing etc and will not be retailed to consumers. 

These are latest additions to the Panasonic ToughPad series, which was launched in India in October last year with the unveiling of ToughPad A1 model. The manufacturer aims to give mobile workers reliable and secure access to their data and applications in challenging environments. 

Toughpad FZ-G1 is powered by Windows 8 operating system and combines the functionality of a personal computer in a rugged package. This device comes with a 10.1-inch screen with 1920x1200p resolution. It supports 10-finger multitouch as well as a digitiser (stylus). It runs on a 2.9GHz Intel i5 processor and packs 4GB RAM (maximum up to 8GB). 

The all-new FZ-G1 has HDMI, USB and 3.5mm earphone jacks, all secured under a flap, and the company says that it can add more ports, depending on the needs of clients. This model is IP65 certified (water and dust resistant) and can withstand being dropped from a height of 120cm. Priced at Rs 1.75lakh, this tablet weighs 1.1kg, supports 3G and offers battery life of 8hours. 

Panasonic ToughPad JT-B1 is the Android tablet that boasts of IP65 certification and can survive a fall from 150cm height. The device is powered by Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and will not be upgraded to later versions of the OS. Under the hood is a 1.5GHz dual-core TI OMAP chipset, with 1GB RAM. On the back, Panasonic ToughPad JT-B1 touts a 13MP camera with LED flash, while a 1.3MP unit is used in the front. The device offers battery life of up to 8 hours and costs Rs 69,000. 

The company also announced two handheld computers that find application in logistics industry. Both the devices run on Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Professional operating system and are suitable for one-hand operations. The ToughPad JT-H300HT is an IP64 certified model that can withstand a drop from 2metre height and costs Rs 45,000. Model JT-H320HT is semi-rugged and boasts of IP54 certification, with 2metre drop specification; it is priced at Rs 16,000. 

With its ToughPad and ToughBook line-up, Panasonic aims to capture 40% of the country's rugged devices market, currently valued at $5 million.