Summary: Panasonic is warming up Windows 8 Pro for road warriors with introduction of a new semi-convertible rugged tablet PC.
Everyone is jumping on the Windows 8 bandwagon this week -- most especially Microsoft's OEM partners, which are busy trying to roll out brand-new devices ready for the latest version of the operating system.
Panasonic is getting in the game with a tablet of its own, but this one definitely means business.
Based on Windows 8 Pro, the Toughbook C2 is a rugged semi-convertible tablet PC intended for mobile workers and the IT departments supporting them.
With a magnesium alloy chassis and a shock-mounted flex-connect hard drive, among other sturdy design notes, it might seem like this tablet would be advertised to employees in the military and similar field-based operations.
But Panasonic is really targeting this more towards healthcare, education and field sales, explaining that the Toughbook C2's 11-hour battery life is intended to last a full work shift. Furthermore, the Toughbook's "fanless design means no air is drawn in or out of the device, minimizing the spread of airborne pathogens."
Panasonic is getting in the game with a tablet of its own, but this one definitely means business.
Based on Windows 8 Pro, the Toughbook C2 is a rugged semi-convertible tablet PC intended for mobile workers and the IT departments supporting them.
With a magnesium alloy chassis and a shock-mounted flex-connect hard drive, among other sturdy design notes, it might seem like this tablet would be advertised to employees in the military and similar field-based operations.
But Panasonic is really targeting this more towards healthcare, education and field sales, explaining that the Toughbook C2's 11-hour battery life is intended to last a full work shift. Furthermore, the Toughbook's "fanless design means no air is drawn in or out of the device, minimizing the spread of airborne pathogens."
Here's a glance at the spec sheet:
- Intel Core i5-3427U vProTM (3MB cache, up to 2.8 GHz) with Intel Turbo Boost
- 12.5-inch, 5-point capacitive multi-touch and daylight-readable HD display (Includes anti-reflective/anti-glare treatments, and IPS)
- 720p HD webcam with built-in microphone
- Optional 3-megapixel rear facing camera
- Digitizer for note-taking and signature capture with an electronic pen
- Triple hinge design for more durable support when rotating the screen to tablet mode
- Bridge battery support (Allows the main battery to be swapped without powering down the device)
- Ergonomic Y-shaped hand strap for carrying in both landscape and portrait modes
- Spill-resistant keyboard (up to six ounces)
- Can handle up to a 30-inch drop to six sides, as well as a 12-inch drop from 26 angles
- Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
- Bluetooth
- Optional 4G LTE or 3G Gobi mobile broadband
- Connectivity: VGA, HDMI, USB 3.0; Optional: NFC, SmartCard reader
- Weight: 3.99 pounds
The Panasonic Toughbook C2 will be available this December with a
starting price tag of $2,949, which includes a 3-year limited warranty.
