Technology Explore

Panasonic unveils Toughbook CF-U1 Rugged UMPC

Responding to the increasing demand for full-function handheld PCs for mobile field workers, Panasonic announced the release of the Toughbook CF-U1 UMPC, one of the smallest notebook PC on Panasonic’s Toughbook family. 

Displayed at the company’s CeBit tradeshow stand in Hannover, Germany, in March, this year, this new released model was tested to military specifications (MIL-STD-810F) for shocks, vibration, humidity, altitude, temperature extremes and thermal shock, and is IP54 compliant for water, rain, and dust resistance. It is drop-test rated for up to four feet. 

Based on Intel’s new Atom platform (previously known as Centrino 2), the device operates on the full-function Windows XP or Windows Vista operating systems, featuring some impressive specifications like a 16GB solid state removable drive, 1GB of memory, and a 5.6-inch WSVGA sunlight-viewable LCD touchscreen with anti-reflective screen treatment and white-LED backlighting. 

Controls are handled by a back-lit QWERTY keyboard with a number pad in the middle. Input can also be done through the system’s touch-sensitive display while it is securely held with the built-in handstrap. Since communications were a priority, WiFi, Bluetooth, and 3G mobile broadband were all integrated into the system. The Atom processor allows for a fanless design which eliminates a failure point while keeping the system quiet and sealed. Panasonic also claims nine hours of battery life. The Toughbook line has always been known for its extended battery life, but this is really impressive to see out of a UMPC. 

“Panasonic has always been at the forefront of making mobile computing technologies work for users in all conditions”, said Rance M. Poehler, president, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company. “We were the first to deliver rugged notebooks in a standard form factor, the first to create a rugged convertible tablet and we have made incredible leaps in mission-critical business computing with our innovations in semi-rugged desktop replacement and sub-notebook technologies.” 

One of its coolest features is something notebook users have been requesting for years: the U1 has a dual battery design which enables the user to swap out a battery without having to turn the system off. 

According to the company, Panasonic Toughbook CF-U1 UMPC will start shipping in August with a price tag of $2,499.