Laptops Arena

Mobile clinical assistants are extremely useful in the healthcare industry because of their capability of keeping hospitals’ personnel up to date with patients’ conditions in real-time. Such devices include the well known CliniScape tablet from Philips, which is among the latest gadgets in technology, as well as the new Panasonic Toughbook computer designed for medical professionals. Toughbook H1 is characterized by a durable construction, an important aspect when it comes to working in the hospital environment, plus a long battery life, high ergonomics level, various connectivity elements and ease of sanitization.

Unlike Philips CliniScape, which is powered by an Intel Core Solo 1.2GHz processor, the fully-rugged Panasonic Toughbook H1 is the first tablet PC of its kind that integrates Intel’s smallest chip processor with world’s smallest transistors, the Intel Atom, featuring low power consumption and longer battery life of up to 6 hours, using dual hot-swappable batteries.

Qualcomm’s Gobi technology simplifies complex multi-carrier wireless deployments for IT departments and delivers mobile broadband speeds via EV-DO and HSPA connectivity types.
In addition to all these, the new Toughbook computer brings an integrated RFID reader, Bluetooth 2.0, wireless module with draft N support, a built-in 2MP camera with auto-focus and dual LED lights, a barcode reader, and contactless smart card reader and fingerprint readers.
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For the design, Panasonic chose a fanless system to reduce germs, sealed buttons, gapless LCD display, no exposed ports, and a special software tool that can be set to remind users to clean the tablet at specific time intervals.

Tests results demonstrated that the Panasonic Toughbook H1 can withstand 3-foot drops and is water and dust resistant. It comes with a 3-year warranty.

It will be available on the market at the beginning of 2009 at a street price of $2,999 with Windows Vista Business with Service Pack 1, the 1.86GHz Intel Atom processor, 1GB RAM memory, 80GB shock-mounted hard drive, integrated docking connector, GPS receiver, and the 10.4-inch 500-nit touchscreen display with 1024 x 768 resolution, all weighting 3.4lbs.

Panasonic introduced its newest Toughbook series called 8 series, featuring the lightest form factor among ruggedized laptop computers. W8 ultra-portable computer, F8 laptop and T8 tablet PC alternative weight between 3 lbs and 3.7 lbs and all come with the Gobi 3G technology for mobile broadband transfer speeds, as well as shock-mounted hard drives, spill-resistant keyboards and flexible connectors. In addition, there is the 802.11a/b/g/draft-n support, Bluetooth 2.0, and the Hybrid Cooling System for adjustable fan speed depending on the environment conditions.

Panasonic ToughBook F8 sports a 14.1-inch widescreen display providing a long battery life for running applications in the field operated by the Intel Core 2 Duo processing technology. Inside there are up to 4GB RAM memory, 160GB HDD drive with shock-resistance, built-in DVD Multi drive, and 6 hours of battery life.
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Next come Panasonic Toughbook W8 ruggedized laptop computers optimized for ultra portability with a 12.1-inch anti-glare LCD display, an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, expandable 1GB SDRAM memory, 120GB HDD, and 7 hours of battery life.

Panasonic Toughbook T8 is a rugged tablet PC alternative introduced with a 12.1-inch touch-sensitive display featuring stylus input, an Intel Core 2 Duo processor characterized by ultra low voltage-based technology, 120GB HDD storage, 1GB SDRAM, and 7 hours of battery life.



The security features include trusted platform module, BIOS-based Computrace theft protection agent, cable lock slot, password security and fingerprint scanner.

If you are curious about the prices for the 3 new ruggedized laptop computers, there are street prices set at $2,099 for the W8 and T8, while the F8 notebook costs $2,499.

Yet another new mobile computer powered by the Intel Centrino 2 technology. Panasonic Toughbook CF-52 are ruggedized laptop computers with increased performance, thanks to the new Intel technology, and featuring expanded graphics capabilities, larger hard disk drives and Draft N Wi-Fi connectivity support. The other model upgraded by Panasonic is the Toughbook CF-74, which also runs on the Intel Centrino 2 processor technology, coming with 160GB hard drive storage capacity, and Wi-Fi 802.11 Draft N compatibility.


"In addition to driving innovation in mobile computing, Panasonic also commits to our resellers and customers that we will help them manage image stability through measured product changes over time," said Kyp Walls, director, product management, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company. "Both the Toughbook 74, which has been a workhorse for field forces since its initial launch in 2006, and the desktop replacement Toughbook 52, launched last year, are undergoing their first significant upgrades after a year of image stability. Through these measures, we help to achieve our dual aim of enhanced ROI and lowered total cost of ownership."



Choosing between the 15.4-inch widescreen Toughbook CF-52 and the 13.3-inch Toughbook CF-74, means having a great mobile computer for field work in extreme environment conditions, drop- and spill resistant, with magnesium alloy cases, flexible internal connectors, and shock-mounted hard drives. Toughbook CF-74 has a touch-sensitive display.
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Both ruggedized laptop computers feature the Windows XP or Windows Vista operating system pre-installed, high definition audio, stereo speakers, DVD super multi dual layer optical drive, Bluetooth, increased security including data encryption, and mobile broadband support.



The upgraded Panasonic Toughbook CF-52 will be available in August at $1,949 for the value configuration and $2,849 for the model equipped for high performance. Panasonic Toughbook CF-74 will come at a street price of $3,199.

The mobile field worker needs a durable handheld with wireless connectivity and powerful processing. Panasonic Toughbook U1 ultra-mobile PC seems to meet these requirements, being powered by the Intel Atom processor technology.

"Panasonic has always been at the forefront of making mobile computing technologies work for users in all conditions," said Rance M. Poehler, president, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company. "We were the first to deliver rugged notebooks in a standard form factor, the first to create a rugged convertible tablet and we have made incredible leaps in mission-critical business computing with our innovations in semi-rugged desktop replacement and sub-notebook technologies. The ultra mobile rugged U1 is another example of how we take advances in mobile technology and make them reliable advances--with new product categories designed for users on the frontiers of mobility where value is truly driven for organizations."



The Intel Atom is recognized as one of the world’s smallest chip measuring almost 25 mm, with the lowest power consumption and packing 47 million transistors. It is one of the most powerful processing chips available and is designed for small devices requiring increased system responsiveness and longer battery life.
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"Panasonic builds the new Toughbook CF-U1, but our customers designed it," said Kyp Walls, director of product management, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company. "The form and functionality is a direct result of more than two years of feedback we solicited from an array of government and commercial organizations seeking to address the needs of a broad range of mobile users. We've responded with a highly portable and durable device that offers integrated features such as an LCD touchscreen, solid state drive as well as an optional fingerprint scanner for user authentication. Data capture is enabled using 1D and 2D barcode and RFID readers and a 2-megapixel digital camera. The Toughbook CF-U1 offers full-shift battery life, a sunlight viewable screen and seamless connectivity with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 3G-mobile-broadband internet connectivity, all within an extremely rugged package for maximum reliability."

Pansonic Toughbook U1 can be used in extreme working environments such as construction sites, mining operations, oil and gas refineries, manufacturing facilities, railroad yards, city streets and storage warehouses. It is a great handheld computing unit for insurance adjusters, building inspectors, police officers and firefighters.

"The Intel Atom processor delivers high performance at dramatically low power while maintaining PC compatibility and enabling the best internet experience in small devices," said Anand Chandrasekher, Intel senior vice president and general manager of the company's Ultra Mobility Group. "Intel's low power technologies, combined with Panasonic's longstanding leadership in rugged PCs, are making it possible for mobile field workers to be more productive while reducing TCO for the IT manager."

The ultra-mobile PC runs on Windows Vista or Windows XP operating systems, which provide a friendly user interface, while being designed with an ergonomic QWERTY keyboard with backlight for easy typing in dark environments, the 5.6-inch Panasonic LCD 1024 x 600 pixel display with increased sunlight readability, LED backlight and anti-reflective coating, no fan to eliminate noise, hot-swappable batteries so the user won’t have to stop the operations when replacing the discharged battery, and a durable magnesium alloy chassis with protection against bumps and drops from 4 feet high.

"The entrance of the largest rugged notebook manufacturer onto the UMPC market is a key validation of the UMPC for enterprise applications," said Venture Development Corporation analyst David Krebs. "VDC's research validates that UMPCs will receive strong consideration for enterprise applications that require a balance of device portability and application richness and functionality that an x86 device with a full OS provides."



Specifications include optional 3G mobile broadband, Wi-Fi module, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, optional GPS module, 1.33GHz processing speeds, up to 32GB removable Solid State Drive storage, 1GB memory, USB, SD card, microphone, headphone jack, expansion bus, optional built-in camera, optional fingerprint reader, optional bar code scanner, and 9 hours of battery life.

It’s a powerful handheld device measuring just 2.2 x 7.2 x 5.9 inches at 2.3 lbs with both batteries, and will be available in August. Panasonic Toughbook price starts at $2,500.

Panasonic announced that its Toughbook 30 won the 2008 North American Mobility Award Recipient for Rugged Notebook Computers after the decision of Frost & Sullivan's Mobility Awards Committee.

Panasonic Toughbook 30 notebook has a magnesium alloy housing, a 13.3-inch XGA LCD display of 1000 nit brightness resistant at moist and dust, shock-mounted hard drive, sealed port and connector covers, and features high-speed wireless broadband connectivity.
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Its key hardware components include an Intel Core 2 Duo L7500 processor at 1.6GHz, 1GB SDRAM memory, 80GB HDD, Intel GM965 video controller, high-definition audio, front-facing speaker, optional optical drive, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, modem, Ethernet, port replicator, and a Li-Ion battery for up to seven hours of working time.



"Mission-critical workers in military, government, public safety and commercial applications often are placed in extreme environments that require a high level of durability and connectivity to achieve the productivity their organizations demand," declared Kyp Walls, director of product management, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company. "Creating a rugged laptop that reliably meets these demands while still delivering a high-performance computing experience takes an enormous investment in research, development, engineering, testing and customer input. Having Panasonic's 15 year history of manufacturing robust mobile computers recognized by Frost & Sullivan as a higher standard is extremely gratifying."