Light, pocketable tablet ideal for mobile workforces and replacing ageing business PDA’s
BRACKNELL, UK, 7TH JANUARY 2014
Panasonic today launched the world’s first fanless, 7”, Windows 8.1 Pro fully-rugged tablet powered by 4th Generation Intel® Core™ i5 vPro™ processor. With 7.0 inch tablets one of the fastest growing market sectors, Panasonic has combined the mobility and flexibility of this pocketable form factor with its rugged and business-focused design to create the thinnest* and lightest* rugged 7” tablet on the market, the Toughpad FZ-M1.
Designed for mobile workers of all kinds, the Toughpad FZ-M1 is also particular suited as a more flexible and capable replacement for ageing rugged PDA devices in logistics, transportation, retail, manufacture, government and emergency services.
First Intel® Core™ i5 powered Fully-rugged fanless 7” tablet
The Toughpad FZ-M1 fanless design is possible because it is the first to be powered by the 4th generation Intel® Core™ i5-4302Y vPro™ processor. This powerful new processor belongs to Intel® Core™ i5 CPU family. It delivers exceptional performance with a very low power consumption of just 4.5 Watts, compared to the regular 15 Watts, keeping heat generation to a minimum. The Toughpad FZ-M1 comes with 4GB RAM (8GB optional) and 128 SSD (256GB optional).
A lite version of the Toughpad FZ-M1, with the latest Intel Celeron processor will also be available mid 2014. The lite version will feature the Windows 8.1 operating system.
Weighing in at just 540g, and 18mm thin, the Toughpad FZ-M1 is also highly flexible with its configuration ports and its integrated business expansion module. The device can be configured exactly for the needs of the business and transformed from a tablet into a mobile tool for vertical applications. Configurable integrated options include 4G mobile broadband, GPS and vehicle pass through antenna. The integrated business expansion module options include Mini-Serial, LAN, NFC, Smartcard Reader, 1D/2D Barcode Reader, UHF RFID and battery hot swap capabilities. As standard, the Toughpad FZ-M1 includes a full size USB 3.0, Micro SD, Headset, DC-In and microSIM.
Unrivalled viewing quality
Using the latest LCD technology the Toughpad FZ-M1 offers unrivalled levels of viewing quality for 7” tablet users working inside or outside. Offering extra wide viewing angles, strengthened glass, high contrast ratio and 500cd/m² high brightness paired with a Panasonic anti-reflection layer, the WXGA (1280x800) Resolution screen is purpose built to perform in any light conditions with ten finger capacitive touch screen capabilities.
Small but no less rugged
The Toughpad family meets similar durability standards to Panasonic’s Fully Rugged Toughbook product line. The Toughpad FZ-M1 is drop tested to 150cm as well as having an IP65 ingress protection rating for resistance to dust and water and it will operate effectively in temperatures ranging from -10 to +50°C.
Long battery life and hot swap option
With built-in battery saving technology such as its ambient light sensor, the Toughpad FZ-M1 can operate for 8.0 hours on its replaceable battery on a two hour charge time. For those who need to work longer, a hot swappable battery set-up can be established using the configurable port options.
Cameras and comms to suit
For users needing live video conference or capture photographic images of documentation in the field, the FZ-M1 is equipped with a 2 megapixel front web camera with stereo mic and 5 megapixel rear camera. An additional 8 megapixel rear camera is also available as an option.
Built for today but with the future in mind, the Toughpad FZ-M1 is optimised for connectivity whatever the location and includes the optional Gobi 5000 module for 4G/LTE downwards, as well as Bluetooth® v4.0 and Wireless LAN. The optional dual pass through antenna connector enables wireless connectivity to be routed through to vehicle docks for enhanced and more stable wireless performance. Using the desktop cradle accessory the FZ-M1 has the flexibility to become a full desktop replacement.
Equipped with the Microsoft Windows 8.1 Pro operating system, business customers can take advantage of the latest improvements in user functionality and the enterprise benefits of the Windows 8.1 Pro operating system. Windows 7 options are also available. With Microsoft extended support for Windows XP ending in April 2014, the latest Windows 8.1 Pro and 7 versions also offer a smooth migration option for businesses looking to upgrade hardware.
Jan Kaempfer, Head of European Marketing, at Panasonic Computer Product Solutions, said: “The Toughpad FZ-M1 uses top class technology and premium manufacturing to create a powerful but still pocket size fanless 7” tablet perfectly designed for business workers in many different industrial-mobile environments. Whether it’s helping provide rail passengers with ticketing and live train time information or the police force with a fast, simple and effective to use tablet while on foot or car patrol, this Toughpad is perfectly fit for purpose.”
Accessories to get the best from your Toughpad
To ensure mobile workers can make the best of their Toughpad FZ-M1, a full array of purpose built accessories will be available at launch including desktop cradle, vehicle dock, multi battery charger, shoulder, hand and rotate straps, carry cases and a passive pen.
The Toughpad FZ-M1 will be available from February 2014 at a starting price of £1,183.
*As of Jan 6th, among 7” fully-rugged windows tablet