We have covered a few portable rugged tablet computers here at KinecticShift, but these products aren’t exactly as sexy-looking or easy-to-use as Apple’s iPad. In fact, they are designed for mobile workers and more adept at actual productivity, running some version of Microsoft Windows. Panasonic’s new Toughpad line of rugged Android-based tablets may just finally deliver a device that balances play and work in a tough exterior.
Although it looks chunkier than many consumer tablets on market, the Toughpad looks like a tablet you wouldn’t mind throwing into your bag when compared to other rugged tablets available. When it comes to creating rugged devices, Panasonic has lots of experience in this department. The company has been making rugged computers under the Toughbook name for some time; the Toughbook line has a Windows-based tablet computer, as well. But the Toughpad seems better suited for carrying around, especially if you don’t need the full Windows operating system to get stuff done. And in the sea of Android tablets currently on the market, Panasonic’s stands out. Sure, you can wrap an iPad with a rugged case, but the Toughpad is a different breed of tablet computers with specific users in mind.
The 10-inch (10.1-inch XGA LED display) Toughpad A1 meets MIL-STD-810G (drops) and IP65 (waterproof and dust resistance) guidelines for durability. It has a 1.2-GHz dual-core processor with hardware-based encryption (FIPS 140-2 Level 2), which is ideal for government workers or anybody with access to sensitive material; runs Android Honeycomb (not the new Ice Cream Sandwich) operating system; has 16GB of flash memory (for storage) and 1GB of DDR2 SDRAM memory; Micro HDMI, Micro USB 2.0, and Micro SDHC ports; two cameras; and offer 4G, 3G, Wi-Fi, GPS and Bluetooth connectivity options. The Toughpad A1 is scheduled for a spring 2012 release, while a 7-inch version, the Toughpad B1, is on its way in fall 2012.
The Toughpad is one robust device, but it’ll cost you between $1,158 and $1,321 to get your hands on this tank of a tablet. But if the rugged form factor and hardware security feature are something that appeals to your lifestyle, this may be the tablet you’ve been working for.
Panasonic Toughpad Official Website
[Via Gizmag: Panasonic Details Toughpad FZ-A1 Rugged Android Tablet]