Panasonic adds tablet to Toughbook line

Law enforcers, field workers, and even clumsy users: this could be the tablet computer for you. Panasonic this week announced what could be the world's first ruggedized tablet, as part of its famous Toughbook mobile devices line. "It’s a Toughbook product and brings along years of design innovations that allows it to live in the real world. It is, perhaps, the world’s first blue-collar Android tablet," according to an article on tech site CrunchGear. According to CrunchGear, the Toughbook tablet has everything one can expect in a modern tablet, including GPS, “full-shift" battery life, and 3G/4G options. The tablet, which will run on Google's Android system, also has a bright, daylight viewable 10.1-inch XGA matte screen compatible with an included active stylus. But potential customers may have to wait awhile as Panasonic plans to release the Toughbook Android tablet in the fourth quarter of 2011. A separate article on Wired.com said the Toughbook tablet "caters to those prone to excess dropping, be it electronics or otherwise." Panasonic’s Toughbook product line has been around since 1993, including mostly ruggedized notebooks. "The Toughbook has a better chance of standing out in the crowded field, however, as the heavy-duty construction may appeal to the roughnecked crowd. Think: geologists in the field, or perhaps an emergency room doc," Wired.com said. "Mum’s the word on pricing, but you should expect to see the Toughbook tablet come Christmas time. Rest assured we eagerly await getting our hands on one for demolition testing," it added. On the other hand, PC World noted the Toughbook Android tablet comes from the Panasonic Solutions Company, a division that focuses on government and enterprise technology. It also said the Toughbook Tablet would be a "purpose-built business solution" with an emphasis on security and durability. — TJD, GMA News