Panasonic Computer Solutions Co. has upgraded its Toughbook mobile computers with additional computing power and memory, as well as heat management for applications in extreme environments, including the shop floor.
The next-generation Toughbook 19 convertible tablet PC incorporates the Intel Core 2 Duo processor, with speeds of 1.06 GHz and a 533 MHz front side bus (FSB). It also features expanded memory of 1 GB SDRAM standard, which can be increased to 4 GB; and an 80 GB hard drive. Weighing in at a slim 5.1 pounds, the upgraded Toughbook 19 can be purchased with an optional integrated camera for inspections and incident documentation applications. The military-specification (Mil-Spec)-certified notebooks incorporate rugged features, such as magnesium alloy cases, sealed keyboards and ports, hard drive heaters, flexible internal connectors, and shock mounting for high reliability, the company said.
Other features include an anti-glare, anti-reflective sunlight-viewable display, compatibility for WiFi 802.11a/b/g, Bluetooth, and mobile broadband (WWAN); a backlit keyboard; and GPS wireless. Users can opt for the wide-area wireless capability, which enables them to access data when they move outside a WiFi network.
The predecessor Toughbook 19s have been used in a variety of manufacturing applications, such as reprogramming PLCs and equipment maintenance, said Kyp Walls, director of product management at Panasonic, in an interview with Managing Automation.