Panasonic has been in the rugged computer business for a long time. They started with the Toughbook CF-25 laptop in 1996 which has evolved into the current CF-31. During that time, they also added rugged convertible laptop/tablets (CF-19), semi-rugged laptops (CF-54) and in 2011, the Toughpad. The original Toughpad, released in the wake of Apple’s 2010 iPad release is a 10.1″ device available with Windows or Android Operating System. Since then Panasonic has introduced 7″ Toughpads, a 10.1″ Toughpad with carry handle and even a monstrous 4k resolution 20″ Toughpad. Earlier this year, they released the 5-inch Handheld Toughpad Series with Windows and Android models available.
Panasonic 5″ Toughpad FZ-E1 Windows Embedded Handheld 8.1
What do I like about these devices? Practically everything. The Panasonic 5-inch Toughpad is one of the toughest handheld devices on the market. If you know rugged handheld computers, you can’t help but to be impressed with the specs:
- IP65/IP68 Sealed for Weatherproof Durability (Submersible 5′ up to 30 minutes.)
- 10′ Drop Spec
- MIL-STD-810G Rated for Shock, Vibration, Rain, Dust, Humidity and Temperature Extremes
- Operating Temp -4°F – 140°F
- 6.2Ah Hot Swappable Battery, up to 14 Hours Continuous Use and 50% 1 Hour Charge
- 5″ Daylight Viewable Multi-touch Gloved Finger Display with Auto-rotate
- Qualcomm Quad Core CPU at 1.7GHz (Android Jelly Bean 4.2.2) or 2.3GHz (Windows Embedded Handhled 8.1)
- 2GB RAM, 32GB Flash, Supports MicroSDXC up to 64GB Additional
- 1.3MP Front-facing Webcam and 8MP Rear-facing Camera with LED Flash
- Communication Options Include Bluetooth, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Verizon/AT&T LTE and GPS
- Data Collection Options Include 2D Barcode Imager, Magstripe Reader and NFC (FeliCa Type A, Type B)
Panasonic 5″ Toughpad FZ-X1 Android Jelly Bean 4.2.2
It’s an impressive collection of specs and features, to say the least. A device this robust is obviously not going to fit into your average consumer phone form-factor. At 6.5″ x 3.4″ and 1.2″ thick (weighting nearly a full pound) it’s definitely a beast, but that’s kind of the point. Check out this awesome video of the 5-inch Toughpad being put through the paces of a particularly treacherous Rube Goldberg Machine.
The Panasonic 5″ Handheld Toughpad is a mobile computer that more than lives up to its name and L-Tron is proud to be an Authorized Panasonic Dealer.