Panasonic Introduces Toughbook® H2 – Faster, More Versatile Rugged Handheld Tablet Computer

SECAUCUS, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Panasonic Solutions Company, provider of collaboration, information-sharing and decision-support solutions for government and commercial enterprises, today announced the Toughbook H2, a fully-rugged, ergonomic Windows® tablet PC. The device’s handheld design offers the right mix of mobility, performance and connectivity for field service workers, first responders, clinicians and other mission-critical professionals. This next-generation tablet includes an enhanced processor, increased RAM and hard drive capacity, I/O ports and a screen that delivers exceptional viewability in all lighting conditions through the use of Panasonic’s TransflectivePlus technology.

“Panasonic is committed to providing our customers the ultimate in performance, mobility and connectivity”

The Toughbook H2 is powered by an Intel® Core™ i5-2557M vPro™ processor (1.7GHz with Turbo Boost up to 2.7GHz) for faster speeds and enhanced device management. The device also comes standard with 4GB RAM, expandable to 8GB, and a 320GB 7200rpm hard disk drive, with an optional 128GB solid state drive available.

Starting at only 3.5 pounds, the H2 delivers 6.5 hours of battery life and includes fast charging twin hot-swappable batteries that allow for virtually limitless use, maximizing up time. Panasonic has also upgraded the desktop cradle to improve charge time to three hours.

“Panasonic is committed to providing our customers the ultimate in performance, mobility and connectivity,” said Kyp Walls, director of product management, Panasonic Solutions Company. “The Toughbook H2’s enhancements are designed to provide mission-critical workers with additional functionality and computing capabilities. The H2 maintains the same level of durability as the previous models and continues the H1’s industry-leading reliability of less than one percent annualized failure rate.”

Designed for the Truly Mobile Worker

The Panasonic Toughbook H2 includes a 10.1” dual touch display that offers both digitizer and touchscreen functionality. The display also features Panasonic’s TransflectivePlus display technology, which can generate up to 6000 nit of transflective brightness, in addition to a circular polarizer, plus anti-glare and anti-reflective screen treatments, making it easily viewable in direct sunlight.

The Toughbook H2 offers exceptional ergonomics, including a molded hand strap, which allows workers to comfortably stand or carry the device for an entire shift. As a fully-rugged device, the Toughbook H2 is MIL-STD-810G tested – with a six foot drop rating. It is designed to be operational in extreme weather conditions and is engineered and certified for vehicle use.

Toughbook H2 in Healthcare

For healthcare environments, the Toughbook H2 has been designed for easy disinfection, and does not require a fan, reducing the risk of potentially pathogenic microorganisms being spread from patient to patient. The device is a secure and intuitive platform for barcode medication administration (BCMA), vitals capture and electronic medical records (EMR) capture and review. To further aid in disinfection, a Panasonic-designed software utility can be programmed to remind users to wipe the unit down at defined intervals. The utility automatically records a successful cleaning for the hospital’s permanent records.

Embedded Wireless Connectivity

The Toughbook H2 offers a variety of embedded wireless technologies, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth® and optional Gobi2000™ 3G mobile broadband technology from Qualcomm. The device is certified on the Sprint and Verizon Wireless 3G networks – with others to be announced later in the year – allowing workers to stay connected virtually all of the time. With certifications coming later this year, the Toughbook H2 will also offer embedded support for 4G networks.

Integrated Features to Maximize Productivity

The Toughbook H2 includes optional integrated features like barcode and RFID readers, camera and GPS receiver to enhance worker productivity and minimize the number of devices in the field. Additional accessories include carrying cases, shoulder straps, power adapters, charging cradles and a Toughbook-certified vehicle dock.

The Toughbook H2 includes multiple security features, including options for a fingerprint reader, contactless or insertable SmartCard reader for government common access cards (CACs), helping to ensure that critical data is kept secure.

Panasonic Toughbook H2: Select Features and Specifications

Genuine Windows 7® (32-bit or 64-bit)
Intel® Core™ i5-2557M vPro™ processor (1.7GHz)
4-8GB RAM
320GB (7200rpm) shock-mounted HHD or optional 128GB SSD
10.1” XGA sunlight-viewable dual touch LCD
- TransflectivePlus technology (up to 6000 nit)
- Circular polarizer with anti-glare and anti-reflective screen treatments
6.5 hour battery life
Twin hot-swappable batteries
3.5 lbs (with both batteries)
10.8” (L) x 10.6” (W) x 2.3” (H)
Fully-Rugged
- MIL-STD-810G certified (6 foot drop)¹
- Magnesium alloy chassis – encased in polycarbonate
- Sealed all-weather design
Embedded Connectivity
- Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
- Bluetooth® v2.1 + EDR (Class 1)
- Optional 4G mobile broadband (Fall 2011)
- Optional Gobi™2000 3G mobile broadband
Integrated Options
- Global positioning system (GPS) receiver
- Barcode reader
- 2MP auto-focus camera with LED light
- RFID reader
Interfaces
- True serial
- USB (optional 2^nd USB port – replaces ethernet)
- Ethernet
Optional Security Features
- Fingerprint reader
- Contactless SmartCard reader
- Insertable SmartCard reader – configurable for Common Access Card (CAC) use

Pricing and Availability

The Panasonic Toughbook H2 will be available worldwide in July 2011. In the United States, the base Toughbook H2 model is expected to be available at an estimated street price of $3,449 from authorized Panasonic resellers and distributors.

The Toughbook H2 is backed with a three-year limited warranty.

Toughbook H2 Images & Video

A video overview of the Toughbook H2 can be found on the Toughbook brand’s YouTube channel; images of the Toughbook H2 can be found on the brand’s Flickr page, and a post discussing the need for purpose-built devices can be found on the brand’s blog - Toughbloggers.com.

Follow the Toughbook Brand

The Panasonic Toughbook brand can be followed on various social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr and via our blog on mobile technology, Toughbloggers.com.

For more information on the Toughbook H2 and other Toughbook mobile computers, go to www.toughbook.com.

About Panasonic Solutions Company

Panasonic Solutions Company empowers people whose jobs depend on reliable technology. The company delivers collaboration, information-sharing and decision-support solutions for customers in government, healthcare, education and a wide variety of commercial enterprises. Products and services within the company’s portfolio include Panasonic Toughbook mobile computing solutions, projectors, professional displays (including both plasma and LCD), and HD and 3D video acquisition and production solutions. As a result of its commitment to R&D, manufacturing and quality control, Panasonic is known for the reliability and longevity of its products. Panasonic Solutions Company is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, which is the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC).

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 Company’s full line of products can be obtained by calling 877-803-8492 or at www.panasonic.com/business-solutions.

¹Tested by a national independent third party lab following MIL-STD-810G Method 516.6 Procedure IV for transit drop test