| Medical tablet has sealed case |
Nov. 06, 2008
 [Updated, 5:10 PM] -- Panasonic announced a Windows tablet PC targeting medical applications. The Toughbook H1 has a 10.4-inch touchscreen display, 1.86GHz Atom Z540 processor, 1GB of RAM, 80GB hard disk drive, 802.11a/b/g/n wireless networking, a two megapixel camera, and optional "Gobi" cellular connectivity, says Panasonic.
(Click here for a larger view of Panasonic's Toughbook H1)
Motion Computing's F5
(Click image for further information) |
The Toughbook H1 is reportedly a version of the MCA (mobile clinical assistant) reference platform devised by Intel. First implemented by Motion Computing with its C5 and closely related F5 (right), the MCA design includes sealed buttons and ports, an integrated fingerprint reader, and a two megapixel camera.
Panasonic says the Toughbook H1 can withstand three foot drops, and is IP54-rated to resist water and dust intrusion. Thanks to a sealed resin case, the device readily tolerates sanitizing washdowns with alcohol and other chemicals, the company adds.
While Motion Computing's CF/F5 use a 1.2GHz Core Solo U1400 processor, Panasonic has selected Intel's 1.86GHz Atom Z540 CPU. This processor, the fastest in the chipmaker's Z500 family, is partnered by the usual "Poulsbo" SCH companion chip.
This combination of parts allows the Toughbook H1 to deliver faster processing along with fanless operation, though it also means the included 1GB of DDR2 RAM is all you'll ever get -- the SCH isn't capable of seeing more. Be that as it may, the device offers 80GB of shock-mounted hard disk storage, according to Panasonic.
The Toughbook H1 includes no slots for removable flash storage, apparently because apertures in the case could harbor germs or attract liquids. Its MCA-inspired design also omits USB ports, presumably for the same reason.
Panasonic's Touchbook H1
The Toughbook's only wired interfaces are a power connector, plus flush pins that make contact with the docking station pictured above. Docking station capabilities include three USB ports, 10/100 Ethernet, a serial port, and a twin battery charger, the company says.
The Toughbook H1 also has a generous bevy of wireless interfaces. Panasonic says the device has 802.11a/b/g/n wireless networking, Bluetooth 2.0, a contactless SmartCard reader, and an RFID reader.
Additional wireless capabilities, optionally available, are said to include GPS, a barcode reader compatible with 1D and 2D symbologies, and a cellular modem employing Qualcomm's Gobi chipset. This chipset allows users to connect to HSPA (high-speed packet access) networks, generally found in Europe, and EVDO (evolution data optimized) networks, generally found in the U.S, according to Qualcomm.
Panasonic says the Toughbook H1's touchscreen display has 1024 x 768 pixel resolution and is viewable both indoors and out. The screen is operable with or without a stylus, and is supplemented by three user-defined programmable buttons, the company adds.
Features and specifications listed by Panasonic for the Toughbook H1 include:- Processor -- Intel Atom Z540 clocked at 1.86GHz
- Memory -- 1GB of DDR2 RAM
- Display -- 10.4-inch touchscreen display with 1024 x 768 resolution
- Camera -- 2 megapixel
- Keys -- 3 user-defined programmable buttons
- Storage -- 80GB HDD (hard disk drive)
- Networking -- 802.11a/b/g/n wireless
- Other wireless interfaces:
- Bluetooth 2.0
- GPS (optional)
- HSPA/EVDO cellular (optional)
- RFID
- SmartCard reader
- 1D/2D barcode scanner (optional)
- Other I/O -- Docking connector
- Battery type/life:
- 2 x hot-swappable battery packs, offering 2750mAh apiece
- 6 hours of operation with both packs
- Dimensions -- 10.6 x 10.4 x 1.3-2.3 inches
- Weight -- 3.4 pounds
According to Panasonic, the Toughbook H1 runs Windows Vista Business, but is also available with a Windows XP downgrade. The device will be available in January 2009, priced at approximately $3,000.
Additional information may appear on Panasonic's website, here. Further coverage also appears on our sister site eWEEK.com, here.
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