Panasonic Computer Solutions Company unveiled the next generation of its Toughbook mobile computers, the Toughbook U1, designed for use in harsh environments, such as heavy-duty truck service shops.
Panasonic said the U1 is the first “rugged, ultra-mobile PC” equipped with the high-performance, low-power-consumption Intel Atom microprocessor. The full-feature computer incorporates “robust features” previously only available on the company’s full-size Toughbook models in a portable design.
“Panasonic builds the new Toughbook U1, but our customers designed it,” said Kyp Walls, Panasonic’s director of product management. “The form and functionality is a direct result of more than two years of feedback we solicited from an array of government and commercial organizations seeking to address the needs of a broad range of mobile users.”
Among the features of the Toughbook U1 are: an LCD touchscreen; solid state drive; optional fingerprint security scanner; optional 1D and 2D barcode readers; optional two megapixel digital camera; long-life battery with dual hot-swappable bays; and wireless connectivity using WiFi, Bluetooth and 3G mobile broadband. It is compatible with full versions of both Windows XP and Vista operating systems.
