Panasonic Announces New Line Of Near-Indestructible Toughpad Tablets

Panasonic, who has but to jump on the Android bandwagon, has just announced their first foray into the Android tablet scene with their new line of Toughpad tablets. These aren’t your normal tablet “toys” for the average consumer — no, sir. These are more aimed at the enterprise/military markets with a focus on durability and security. Oh, and as the name suggests, these Toughpads are meant to take a severe beating. As a matter of fact, “beating” may be too sissy of a word seeing how Panasonic’s new promo video shows these guys to be damn-nearly indestructible. Check it out.

The 10.1-inch A1 features a 1.2GHz dual-core Marvell processor, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of storage, 5MP rear/2MP front facing cameras and runs on Android 3.2 Honeycomb. The device will debut in the Sprint and carry a $1,300. The smaller 7-inch B1 will be released shortly afterwards with more details and specs coming shortly.

Once again, these aren’t aimed at your average soccer mom or Joe Schmoe and are more geared for business sectors like aviation, construction and field sales. Panasonic will as well release a complete set of “professional-grade accessories” like cases, mounts, printers, keyboards, magnetic stripe readers, Smart Card Readers and multi-unit storage and various charging options. Full press release can be found below.

World’s most reliable 10" and 7" tablets deliver the enhanced security, advanced device management and application eco-system required by business and government users

Secaucus, NJ, November 7, 2011 - Panasonic, an industry leader in rugged, reliable handheld and tablet computers since 1996, today unveiled the Toughpad™ family of professional-grade Android™-powered tablets, which includes a 10" and 7" device. The devices--targeting mission-critical and highly mobile workers--will be supported by an eco-system that includes an enterprise focused app store, peripherals, developer tools, deployment support and more.

The 10 Toughpad A1

The 10" Toughpad A1, available first, is ideal for highly mobile outdoor workers in markets like aviation, construction, field sales and the public sector, where exposure to extreme environments is a constant challenge and the consequence of a failure is significant. The device can as well be used as a tool to optimize business processes as a cost effective pen / paper replacement. The 7" Toughpad B1 targets similar markets, nevertheless in applications where screen real estate is not as critical and where device mobility and portability are critical.

"Panasonic has been a leading force in the government and enterprise mobile computing space--including tablet, convertible tablet, and handheld devices--for over fifteen years," said Rance M. Poehler, President, Panasonic Solutions Company. "For many manufacturers this is new territory, however it’s currently one of Panasonic’s growing product categories. Because of this, we have the unparalleled ability to apply our market knowledge, intellectual property, engineering and R&D resources to deliver an Android-powered tablet in other words radically different from the largely consumer-based devices on the market today. The Toughpad tablets are developed from the upside down to address the needs of the business users. As a result, our clients will get the most rugged, reliable and enterprise-appropriate tablets in the world - helping to drive efficiency and productivity in ways that were never possible. The Toughpad tablets will be backed by our world class service and support infrastructure, including our U.S. dedicated hot-line support, 2 day or less service turn-time, and our customer facing field engineering staff."

Purpose-built line of Android-powered tablets

Panasonic has created a purpose-built line of Android-powered tablets, designed with enhanced security, long product life, and advanced device management in mind. The Panasonic Toughpad family will allow government and commercial enterprises, as then as SMBs, to realize the true potential of tablet computing without sacrificing security and during delivering a high return on investment.

Enterprise-class Security Enterprise-class mobile computing requires an enhanced level of device security in other words not available in today’s tablet market. To address this need, the new Toughpad family is designed with security in mind. The Toughpad A1 incorporates security embedded at the hardware level and offer technologies like hardware and software encryption, enhanced VPN, dual factor authentication, trusted boot and device management. This enhanced level of device security means the Toughpad A1 will be compliant with FIPS 140-2 for Federal government use and HIPAA ready for healthcare environments.

The Toughpad™ family can be managed with a custom set of low level controls that provide IT Administrators with unprecedented power over their Android-powered devices. This level of mobile device management is essential for successfully deploying and managing Android-powered tablets in the field. These controls allow IT managers to distribute applications in a one-to-many environment, secure devices from unauthorized use and many other granular features not found in consumer-grade Android-powered tablets.

Rich Application Environment for Government

A Rich Application Environment for Government and Enterprise Mobility In other respects having access to the existing selection of Android Market™ applications, the Toughpad is supported by the Business AppPortal™, an enterprise-focused app store offering best-of-breed vertical market specific solutions as so then as applications addressing broad enterprise concerns, including Mobile Device Management, security and virtualization.

This highly secure, cloud-based user storefront allows IT Managers and developers to store, download and test applications for use on their Toughpad devices. Panasonic will as well offer private application stores within the Business AppPortal, which businesses can customize to meet their specific needs.

The Toughpad A1 offers optional 4G mobile broadband as so then as Bluetooth® v2.1 + EDR, 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi and satellite GPS.

Panasonic Toughpad™ A1: Select Features and Specifications Operating System Android™ 3.2 Processor Marvell 1.2 GHz Dual-Core Processor Storage 16GB Optional Storage MicroSD optional up to 32GB RAM 1GB LP-DDR2 Display 500 nit, daylight readable, 10.1" XGA, capacitive multi-touch with anti-reflective and anti-glare treatment and built in ambient light sensor Battery Life 10 hours Weight 2.13lbs Drop Rating 4 ft. Ingress Protection IP65 Temperature rating 14F to 122F Inputs Micro-USB, microSDHC, micro HDMI Camera 5MP rear, 2MP front Connectivity/Comms 4G, 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Bluetooth v2.1 + EDR, Satellite GPS Security Features Hardware-level security, FIPS 140-X and HIPPA compliant, cable lock slot Dimensions 10.5 x 8.3 x 0.67 in.

Sales inquiries for Panasonic’s Toughpad family of Android-powered tablets should be directed to sales.psc@us.panasonic.com or 877-803-8492.