Panasonic Solutions Company, provider of collaboration, information-sharing and decision-support solutions for government and commercial enterprises, today announced the newest member of its Toughbook U1 ultra-mobile PC product family, the Toughbook U1 Ultra. All Toughbook U1 products combine the portability of a handheld computer, the benefits of a full Windows OS, the durability needed for enterprise applications and a suite of available integrated features. The new Toughbook U1 Ultra is equipped with a TransflectivePlus display for up to 6000 nit viewability in direct sunlight, 64GB solid state hard drive, 2GB of memory, an Intel Atom Processor (Z530 1.6Ghz) and Windows 7. The device is ideal for highly mobile jobs such as direct store delivery (DSD), eCitation and vegetation management in markets like supply chain management, public safety and utilities.The Toughbook U1 family of handheld replacement computers has also undergone a number of usability and navigation enhancements, including enlarged screen icons, programmable "right click" onscreen button, a larger soft keyboard, a "zoom and pan" mode - allowing users to simply navigate robust content and a soft "Ctrl-Alt-Del" button for log-on on access.

The optional 2 megapixel camera features updated software to offer faster auto-focus and improved white balancing, while the optional barcode reader has been improved with new software that allows for onboard, data and symbology configuration.

Companies can also take advantage of the optional embedded features available for the Toughbook U1, including GPS, barcode readers (1D, 1D/2D), fingerprint reader and mobile broadband to drive greater levels of productivity.

Besides being able to run the latest Windows 7 software, the Toughbook U1 Ultra is ideally suited to run legacy mobile device applications, with solutions available to run Windows Mobile and Windows CE software in the Windows 7 environment. The solution, Winrunner by Clearview Software International, allows companies to maximize their legacy handheld device software investment while creating a migration path to a full Windows OS device.

"The ability to provide your mobile workforce with a reliable, powerful and adaptable handheld computer running a full Windows OS is critical for organizations attempting to stay ahead of the competition," said Kyp Walls, director of product management, Panasonic Solutions Company. "Relying on a single-purpose device that runs a pared-down or proprietary OS is no longer acceptable in environments where information is critical and computing solutions must deliver a clear ROI. The Toughbook U1 Ultra, running Windows 7 and incorporating an impressive list of available integrated features, is the ideal handheld mobile computing solution for companies with an eye on future success."

Most Rugged Toughbook
The Toughbook U1 line up is certified by an independent third-party test lab to meet MIL-STD-810G and IP65 standards for environmental conditions. The device can withstand a drop of 6 feet from any angle, and its fanless design keeps out water and dust while reducing weight and eliminating a common point of failure.

Embedded Wireless Connectivity
The Toughbook U1 family includes a variety of embedded wireless technologies, including Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 and optional Gobi2000 mobile broadband technology from Qualcomm. Gobi simplifies complex multi-carrier wireless deployments for IT departments and allows mobile employees improved connectivity options while traveling at home or abroad. The Toughbook U1 will be certified on the Verizon Wireless, Sprint and AT&T Wireless networks, allowing workers to stay connected at all times.

"The market for field mobility solutions is currently at a crossroads where field mobile workers are being tasked with an ever expanding list of requirements," said David Krebs, director of the mobile and wireless practice at VDC Research. "As a result the mobile computers deployed to support these work flows need to be designed to not only maximize performance but also to be delivered in a highly ergonomic and portable package. Panasonic's next generation U1 handheld device - including its full Windows OS and its myriad integrated I/O and communications options - addresses these requirements with a functionality and performance optimized design."

Select Features and Specifications

• Genuine Windows 7 (with XP downgrade option)
• Intel Atom processor Z530 (1.6GHz)
• 2GB RAM
• 64 GB Solid State Drive SSD
• 5.6" WSVGA sunlight-viewable touchscreen using TransflectivePlus technology with up to 6000 nit viewability
• Circular polarizer with anti-glare and anti-reflective screen treatments
• LED backlighting · Up to 9 hour battery life
• Twin hot-swappable batteries
• 2.3lbs. (with both batteries and strap)
• Fully-Rugged
  o Magnesium alloy chassis - encased in polycarbonate o MIL-STD-810G certified (6 foot drop)
  o IP65 certified sealed all-weather design
  o UL1604 (Class 1, Div 2) certified model
  o Reinforced flex-connect Solid State Drive (SSD)
  o Embedded Connectivity
  o Optional integrated WWAN / Gobi2000 mobile broadband (EV-DO and HSPA)
  o Intel WiFi Link 5100 802.11a/b/g/n
  o Bluetooth v2.1 + EDR
• Integrated Options
  o Global positioning system (GPS) receiver
  o 1D barcode reader
  o 2D barcode reader (also 1D capable)
  o Fingerprint reader
  o 2.0 megapixel auto-focus camera with dual LED lights
  o Numeric keypad with large buttons including navigation
  o 2.2" (H) x 7.2" (W) x 5.9" (D)