Panasonic Takes the Rugged Approach to Tablets

Even though the tablet market is more or less synonymous with the market for media slates, Panasonic decided to try to play a different card, namely that of physical endurance, although it stopped before handing out any details.

When it comes to tablets, Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1 is the one to be launched most recently complete with a price scheme that puts it right there with the Apple iPad.

Meanwhile, Panasonic is carrying out its own slate plans, but it looks like 'regular' media slate designs aren't all it is working on.

According to what reports roaming the web suggest, the outfit is building a rugged tablet that will be part of the Toughbook product range.

Panasonic already has laptops and convertible tablets capable of taking more punishment than several 'regular' products put together.

This new slate should be able to suffer through similarly grueling conditions, although not much is actually known about the hardware and software.

The screen, at least, will be a matte 10.1-inch panel with an XGA resolution (1,024 x 768 pixels), equipped with touch support.

Another piece of information is that not only WiFi, but also GPS, 3G and maybe even 4G will be supported.

Depending on what platform Panasonic chooses, and what other components it throws in (storage, memory, etc.), the battery should be able to last for up to 8 hours.

Since this product will likely be used at work, in more or less hazardous environments, this means it will last for a whole shift, so to speak.

The availability is scheduled for the fourth quarter of the ongoing year (2011), at which point, provided not other companies emulate the maneuver faster, the product will becomes the first Android tablet specifically aimed at the corporate space.