Panasonic Introduces Next Generation Toughbook® Rugged Computers Featuring Embedded 3G Wireless and World's Brightest Notebook Screens

Business Wire, Oct 16, 2006

Fully rugged notebook and tablet PC include powerful processors, new security features, and daylight-readable displays crucial for mission-critical and field-mobile applications

SECAUCUS, N.J. -- Panasonic Computer Solutions Company, the leading provider of durable, reliable wireless mobile PCs, today introduced two new rugged Panasonic[R] Toughbook[R] computers: The CF-19 convertible tablet PC, and the flagship CF-30 clamshell notebook.

Building on the success of the CF-18 tablet and CF-29 notebook, these new Toughbooks come equipped with Intel Core Duo processors, additional security features, and optional embedded access to next-generation wireless data networks from all major cellular wireless carriers. In addition, these MIL-SPEC-certified notebooks incorporate daylight-readable screens and the rugged featuresCosuch as magnesium alloy cases, sealed keyboards and ports, flexible internal connectors and shock-mountingCothat ultimately deliver the highest levels of reliability in the industry.

Panasonic is delivering the brightest displays available today, without compromising battery life. The CF-19 features a bright 550 Nit (candelas per square meter, a measure of brightness) screen with a new low-reflection coating and the CF-30 boasts an industry-leading 1,000 Nit LCD, delivering the brightness of a fixed mount display in a portable computer. The CF-30 is the first mobile notebook to achieve this milestone in screen brightness that is critical for law enforcement, first responders, members of the armed forces, field service technicians and mobile workers in all industries who are required to use computers in direct sunlight.

The new CF-19 and CF-30 Toughbook[R] computers also feature backwards compatibility with existing vehicle mount solutions for previous generation Toughbooks (the CF-18 and CF-29), protecting the investments of existing Toughbook owners and easing their upgrade process.

"These next generation Toughbooks are the result of close collaboration between our R&D labs, engineering teams, Panasonic component divisions and, most importantly, our customers, who depend upon us to meet the needs of their business by supplying mobile devices they can rely on and trust," said Rance Poehler, president, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company. "Our Customers have asked us for brighter displays that can be used in any environment. Delivering a 1,000 NIT screen is a major accomplishment for Panasonic's engineers, who are unparalleled in their ability to strike a balance between form and function in rugged devices. This is clearly the brightest LCD in any battery powered computer in the Industry today and another first for Panasonic."

Added Poehler, "We will continue to push ourselves to deliver increased CPU power, integration of next-generation wireless, security enhancements and ever-increasing battery life to meet the needs of users in extreme environmentsCofrom war fighters to field technicians."

Rugged, Reliable, Wireless

Both the CF-30 notebook PC and CF-19 convertible tablet are constructed of magnesium alloy and include shock-mounted screens and hard drives. With battery life of approximately 6 hours, these units are certified to the MIL-STD-810F standard, tested to withstand drops, shocks, vibration and extremes in temperature. In addition, they are sealed and rated at IP54 (ingress protection) level for water and dust resistance. Other certifications, such as UL1604 Class 1 / Div. 2, help ensure that these units perform safely and reliably in tough conditions. Touch screens allow for ease of use in vehicle-mounted environments and with applications commonly used in field environments. Multiple wireless optionsCoWLAN, WWAN, GPS and BluetoothCoensure that users stay connected and easily located.

"Any organization whose mobile workers need to access or transmit information in mission-critical or field environments should strongly consider deploying rugged mobile computers," said David Krebs, analyst, Venture Development Corporation. "Devices such as Panasonic Toughbooks are engineered to be reliable and maintain connectivity. Our research indicates that in many user environments the total cost of ownership of a rugged mobile computer is actually substantially lower than that of a non-rugged or commercial-grade computer."

Leadership in Wireless Integration

Panasonic is an established leader in the integration of next generation wireless solutions and the only manufacturer to offer a complete portfolio of wireless computing devices, from rugged to semi-rugged and business-rugged computers. The new CF-19 and CF-30 rugged Toughbook[R] models incorporate a "wireless-ready" design that allows users to purchase, or upgrade to, embedded access to next-generation data networks from all major wireless carriers. The notebooks will ship with optional integrated radio modems to access UMTS/HSDPA-based solutions from Cingular Wireless and the EV-DO networks of Sprint or Verizon. Also, thanks to improvements in global positioning system (GPS) technology, the CF-19 and CF-30 feature significantly improved GPS accuracy. This capability will benefit all users, whether they are navigating to their next assignment or coordinating the efforts of field personnel.