Panasonic Upgrades Toughbook H2 Rugged Handheld Tablet PC

Improved processor, storage, battery life and connectivity advance productivity for mission-critical mobile professionals

Panasonic, an industry leader in rugged, reliable mobile computers since 1996, recently announced upgrades to the Panasonic Toughbook H2, the industry’s most rugged handheld tablet PC. The MIL-STD-810G¹ and IP65¹ certified device includes a faster processor, expanded storage and other improvements, while retaining critical features to enhance usability and durability – including the ability to survive a 6-foot drop. With these upgrades, the Toughbook H2 delivers an improved return on investment for businesses with mobile workforces and greater performance for clinicians, field service workers, first responders and other mission-critical mobile professionals.

Panasonic Toughbook H2: Key Improvements

• Upgraded processor: Intel Core i5-3427U (up to 2.8GHz) with Intel Turbo Boost Technology
• Expanded storage: 500GB 7200rpm hard drive (shock-mounted flex-connect with hard drive heater) with optional 128GB SSD
• Improved battery life: Twin, hot-swappable batteries deliver 7 hours of uninterrupted work per MobileMark 2007 testing 
• Enhanced connectivity: Intel Advanced-N 6235 Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n and Bluetooth v4.0 + EDR (Class 1) standard on all models. Integrated wireless broadband options include 4G LTE or 3G Gobi and dedicated GPS

For a full list of Toughbook H2 specifications, visit http://www.panasonic.com/toughbook/H2.

“With its versatility, portability and sheer toughness, the Toughbook H2 is a critical tool for workers in diverse industries,” said Kyp Walls, director of product management, Panasonic System Communications Company of North America. “The improvements we’re announcing only serve to increase its value in helping these workers stay efficient and productive, no matter where their jobs take them.”       

Flexible Functionality, Rugged Durability 
The 3.5 lb. Toughbook H2 handheld tablet PC runs the Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (32-bit or 64-bit) operating system and includes optional integrated technology such as barcode, fingerprint, insertable or contactless SmartCard/RFID readers. Further, with standard USB 3.0, serial, and Ethernet ports, connectivity is unparalleled in its class.  Its 10.1-inch XGA LED transflective touchscreen with Panasonic CircuLumin technology allows for full circle viewability from the brightest sunlight to pitch darkness, and screen brightness can be adjusted from 6,000 nits to as low as 1 nit for concealed nighttime use for the safety of military and public safety users.

The Toughbook H2’s polycarbonate-encased magnesium alloy chassis is built with an IP651 certified sealed all-weather design, and is  MIL-STD-810G1 certified for drops up to 6 feet, shock, vibration, rain, dust, sand, altitude, freeze/thaw, high/low temperature, temperature shock, humidity and explosive atmospheres. A MIL-STD-461F certified model for electromagnetic compatibility is available.

Healthcare-Compliant Design
For healthcare environments, the Toughbook H2 has a fully-sealed design, with no fan vents or exposed ports, for easy disinfection, 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.

Pricing and Availability
In the United States, the Toughbook H2 is available from authorized Panasonic resellers starting at an estimated street price of $3,349.

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

¹ Tested by national independent third party lab following MIL-STD-810G Method 516.6 Procedure IV for transit drop test and IEC 60529 Sections 13.4, 13.6.2, 14.2.5 and 14.3 for IP65.

Panasonic Solutions for Business
Built on a celebrated engineering foundation, Panasonic architects business technology solutions that help build a better world. Customers in government, healthcare, production, education and a wide variety of commercial enterprises, large and small, depend on integrated solutions from Panasonic to help them acquire, manage and interpret the information that drives innovation. The complete suite of Panasonic solutions addresses unified business communications, mobile computing, security and surveillance, retail point-of-sale, office productivity, high definition visual conferencing, visual communications (professional projectors, displays, digital signage) and HD and 3D video production. As a result of its commitment to R&D, manufacturing and quality control, Panasonic engineers reliable and long-lasting solutions as a partner for continuous improvement. Panasonic solutions for business are delivered by Panasonic System Communications Company of North America, which is a division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation.

All brand and company/product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies. All specifications are subject to change without notice. For more information, visit http://www.panasonic.com/business-solutions/.

About Panasonic Corporation of North America
Based in Secaucus, NJ, Panasonic Corporation of North America provides a broad line of digital and other electronics products and services for consumer, business and industrial use. The company is the principal North American subsidiary of Osaka, Japan-based Panasonic Corporation, and the hub of Panasonic’s U.S. branding, marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Panasonic is committed to becoming the electronics industry's leader in green innovation by its one-hundredth anniversary in 2018. In the 2012 Interbrand Annual Best Global Green Brands ranking, the Panasonic brand jumped four spots to number six: http://www.interbrand.com/en/best-global-brands/Best-Global-Green-Brands/2012-Report.aspx. As part of its continuing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, Panasonic Corporation of North America will relocate its operations to a new eco-efficient office tower adjacent to a mass transit hub in Newark, NJ in 2013. For more information, visit http://panasonic.net/eco/ecoideas, www.panasonic.com, www.panasonic.com/pressroom.