Panasonic's latest Toughbook tablet takes a swing at rugged rivals
Panasonic contends its H1 Field rugged Windows tablet with a power-sipping Intel Atom chip is tougher than devices from HP, Dell, and Lenovo
Panasonic Computer Solutions released the latest model in its 13-year-old Toughbook line, a rugged Windows tablet with a power-sipping Intel Atom processor.
The Toughbook H1 Field is designed for emergency response professionals, construction managers and field sales reps who work in harsh conditions. Panasonic contends that it's the toughest tablet available.
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Making such a claim is a new tactic for the longtime market leader. Panasonic has traditionally preferred to let outlandish video demonstrations and testimonials do the talking for its Toughbooks . (For a good roundup, check the Web site, ToughbookUniverse.com .)
But the company has seen its market share eroded by lower-priced models from Hewlett-Packard , Dell and Lenovo , as well as smaller companies such as tablet maker Motion Computing.
Moreover, sales of rugged PCs have suffered because of cutbacks in federal and military budgets. VDC Research Group has predicted that 2009 sales would be down 10 percent from 2008.
That may be why Kyp Walls, director of product management at Panasonic's U.S. computer division, very openly talked up the H1 Field -- and talked down Panasonic's competitors.
