14 DAY TRIAL // Though media slates are just now starting to take off, convertible tablet PCs, or tablets with keyboards, have been around for quite a while. Rugged devices in particular are often used in industrial applications, as they can withstand “abuse” and still deliver excellent performance. One of the latest such products is the Panasonic Toughbook C1, which is described by the company as the world's lightest 12.1-inch tablet, at only 3.2 pounds.
The device measures 1.8 (H) x 8.9 (W) x 1.2-1.7 (D) inches and is powered by an Intel Core i5-520M vPro central processing unit, whose core runs at 2.4GHz, or 2.93GHz with Turbo Boost. This processor is paired with 2GB of RAM, a 250GB flex-connect hard drive with quick-release and a 12.1-inch WXGA 1280 x 800 screen that can come either with multi-touch + digitizer (finger and stylus input) or gloved multi-touch (finger and gesture support, available in Fall 2010).
“The Toughbook C1 is an example of a convertible tablet PC that has been designed for a mobile workforce,” Erik Reid, mobile client marketing director, Intel Corporation, said. “Intel Core i5-520M vPro Processor technology makes the Toughbook C1 more valuable by helping to address remote management and security issues. This creates a compelling solution for organizations that want the most out of their mobile employees.”
The features that give the tablet its durability are its magnesium alloy case, spill-resistant keyboard, triple hinge design and 225 lb pressurized vibration, among other things. Other specs of the product include Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6200 802.11a/b/g/n, Optional integrated WWAN/Gobi 2000 mobile broadband and Bluetooth v2.1+EDR.
“An exceptional level of engineering has gone into the Toughbook C1,” Kyp Walls, director of product management, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company, added. “The unique triple hinge design, ‘hand-free’ ergonomic strap, twin hot-swappable battery system and quick-release HDD Pack exemplify our commitment to go beyond ‘good-enough’ and delivering products that map to how our customers use them. The Toughbook C1 sets the standard for what an enterprise convertible tablet should be.”
“One of the main markets for the Toughbook C1 is healthcare,” Greg Davidson, healthcare senior business development manager, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company, shared. “We have been working with our healthcare customers to design a convertible tablet that truly addressed their needs. To date, the market has been making do with tablets that fail to offer the light weight, ergonomics and battery life needed by healthcare professionals. We believe the new Toughbook C1 addresses all these issues, while offering the additional benefits of excellent performance and durability.”
The tablet runs Windows 7 or Windows XP and comes with a variety of optional integrated security features, such as a fingerprint reader and SmartCard reader. It will be backed by a standard three-year warranty and will become available worldwide in June 2010, at an estimated street price of $2,499.