Panasonic Releases New Ruggized Tablet For Responders

Panasonic, an industry leader in exceptionally reliable and innovative mobile computers, announced the 12.5-inch Toughpad FZ-Q1, the latest member of its Toughpad family of enterprise-grade ruggedized tablet devices.

With an Intel processor and running Windows 8.1 Pro, this business-grade tablet is designed for the highly mobile field worker, in either government or private sectors, who needs a device more durable than a consumer tablet. Applications include code enforcement, home health, transportation, POS retail environments, small business applications and more. To meet varying market needs, the device will come in two configurations, a performance version featuring an Intel Core i5-4302Y vPro processor and a standard model with an Intel Celeron processor N2807.

“When fully rugged notebooks were introduced, we slowly saw the demand grow for similar solutions that were less robust,” said Jan Ruderman, Vice President, Business Mobility Group, Panasonic System Communications Company of North America. “The tablet market is following this path, but at an accelerated pace. Many applications don’t require a fully rugged device, and as a result, businesses felt compelled to purchase consumer-grade solutions. Unfortunately, those tablets don’t provide the reliability, usability and security businesses require and consumer device manufacturers typically don’t have the sales and services infrastructure needed to support enterprise customers. The Toughpad FZ-Q1 meets the needs of businesses, in less demanding user environments, that want to experience the mobility and productivity benefits of a ruggedized tablet.”

The Toughpad FZ-Q1 provides the ideal level of durability for light duty field work. With a shock absorbing case and a magnesium alloy chassis, the device can withstand drops, comes with a fanless design and is resistant to dirt and dust. It is the perfect mobile computing companion for the highly mobile worker who needs a semi-rugged device.

This purpose-built device features a Full High Definition, 350 nit, 10 finger touch, screen with an anti-reflective (AR) screen treatment. Other usability features include an easy grip bottom cover, integrated stylus, fast charging battery that outperforms consumer grade tablets.

When it comes to connectivity, the Toughpad FZ-Q1 offers a broad selection of options, with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, an optional 4G LTE multi carrier with satellite GPS. The device also features USB 3.0, MicroSDXC, a 2MP webcam, 8MP rear facing camera. Unlike consumer designed tablets, the Toughpad FZ-Q1 has integrated options for insertable or contactless SmartCard readers, a must for many Government and healthcare users.

A broad selection of accessories will be available for the Toughpad FZ-Q1, notably a spill resistant, backlit keyboard with carrying strap. The Panasonic designed keyboard uses a direct, not wireless, interface with the device, for reliable connectivity. Other accessories include a full desktop cradle with multiple I/O options.

Pricing and Availability
The Toughpad FZ-Q1, will be available in March at an estimated street price of $1,699 for the Performance model and $999 for the Standard model.

All Toughpad tablets can be purchased through authorized Panasonic resellers and come standard with the industry's most comprehensive 3-year warranty.

Besides offering the market leading performance and reliability the Toughbook and Toughpad brands are known for, Panasonic helps customers reduce the complexity of deploying and managing mobility projects through its ProServices suite of engineering consultations including premier disc imaging and device deployment services, training, mobility applications and break/fix depot support.

Sales inquiries for Panasonic’s Toughpad tablets should be directed to [email protected] or 877-803-8492.

For more information on the Panasonic Toughpad family of tablet computers, visit http://www.Toughpad.com.

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Panasonic Solutions for Business
Panasonic delivers game-changing technology solutions that deliver a customized experience to drive better outcomes—for our customers and our customers’ customers. Panasonic engineers build reliable products and solutions that help to create, capture and deliver data of all types, where, when and how it is needed. The complete suite of Panasonic professional solutions for government and commercial enterprises of all sizes addresses unified business communications, mobile computing, security and surveillance, retail point-of-sale, office productivity, visual communications (projectors, displays, digital signage) and HD video production. Panasonic solutions for business are delivered by Panasonic System Communications Company of North America, Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation.

All brand and company/product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies. All specifications are subject to change without notice. Information on Panasonic solutions for business can be obtained by calling 877-803-8492 or at us.panasonic.com/business-solutions/.

About Panasonic Corporation of North America
Panasonic Corporation of North America provides a broad line of digital and other electronics products and solutions for consumer, business and industrial use. The company is the principal North American subsidiary of Osaka, Japan-based Panasonic Corporation and the hub of Panasonic’s U.S. branding, marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. In Interbrand’s 2014 annual “Best Global Green Brands” report, Panasonic ranked number five overall and the top electronics brand in the report. As part of continuing sustainability efforts, Panasonic Corporation of North America relocated its headquarters to a new facility, built to meet LEED certification standards, adjacent to Newark Penn Station in Newark, NJ. Learn more about Panasonic at www.panasonic.com.