Secaucus, N.J. — Panasonic Computer Solutions Co. has announced its Panasonic Toughbook CF-U1, an ultramobile PC (UMPC) that features the low-power Intel Atom processor in a “rugged” handheld computer designed in the tradition of its existing line of Toughbook mobile computers.
The device operates on the full-function Windows XP or Windows Vista operating systems. It features 16GB solid state removable drive, 1GB of memory, a back-lit QWERTY keyboard and a 5.6-inch WSVGA sunlight-viewable LCD touchscreen with anti-reflective screen treatment and white-LED backlighting. It features a fan-less all weather design and twin hot-swappable batteries to allow for battery replacement without disrupting operation. The device’s magnesium-alloy chassis is said to protect from bumps and drops of up to four feet.
Other features include
· optional integrated 3G mobile broadband;
· draft-n compliant Wi-Fi;
· integrated Bluetooth radios; and
· optional SiRfstarIII-based GPS technology.
It offers multiple interface options including USB 2.0, SD card, a microphone, headphone and expansion BUS. There is also an optional integrated camera, fingerprint scanner, barcode or RFID readers.
The device measures 2.2 inches by 7.2 inches by 5.9 inches and weighs slightly more than 2.3 pounds with its strap and both batteries.
The company said the device will be available worldwide in August, and its base model is expected to be available in the United States at an estimated street price of $2,499.
