Panasonic updates Toughpad FZ-G1 rugged tablet
Panasonic has announced an update to their famed Toughpad tablet. This rugged 10″ tablet, meant for mission critical professionals on the run (miltary, first responders, field service and sales team), is now powered by 4th generation Intel Core i5 vPro processor and comes with Windows 8.1 Pro pre-loaded. The battery backup is upped to 10 hours of continuous use with an option to bridge external battery. New features include UHF RFID reader, contactless smart card reader and optional Hazardous Location Certification that gives the tablet standard chemical resistance. The Toughpad FZ-G1 is available this month at a list price of $2,599. All Toughpad devices can be purchased through authorized Panasonic resellers.
“Mobile workers are the fastest growing segment of the workforce, and these professionals require highly portable and durable computing tools they can rely on wherever their work takes them,” said Dan Diliberti, Senior Product Management – Tablets and Handhelds, Panasonic System Communications Company of North America. “Since its introduction in 2013 the Toughpad FZ-G1 has become one of our most popular products, and these key improvements only serve to increase the return on investment it provides.”
Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1: Key Improvements (courtesy, press release)
- Updated Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 Pro Update 64-bit or Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (available through downgrade rights from Windows 8.1 Pro)
- Faster Processor: 4th generation Intel® CoreTM i5-4310U vProTM Processor (3 MB cache, 2.0 GHz up to 3.0 GHz with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology)
- Longer Battery Life: Up to 10 hours of continuous use with a single standard battery, and up to 20 hours with one optional long life battery*
- Hot Swap Capability: New bridge battery configuration option allows users to switch out batteries without powering down with the device
- Enhanced WiFi Connectivity: Intel® Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260 Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
- Expanded Configuration Options: Three new options – UHF radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader, contactless smart card reader (HF-RFID), or bridge battery – added to existing configuration options. 11 options in total available
- Camera Upgrade: 8MP rear camera and software with location-based services (Windows 8.1 Pro update model only)
- Enhanced Security: Optional Opal-compliant, self-encrypting drive available summer 2014
- Touchscreen Enhancements: Daylight-readable display with 10-point gloved multitouch technology + digitizer, operational even in wet conditions
- Hazardous Location Certification: Standard chemical resistance; optional certification available for use in hazardous locations (ANSI).
* Battery life measured at LCD brightness of 60 cd/m2 and varies depending on usage conditions, or when an external device is attached.
