Panasonic Toughbook Rugged Notebook Computers Now Certified And Available For Verizon Wireless BroadbandAccess Network
Panasonic Computer Solutions Company today announced that the Panasonic® Toughbook® fully rugged CF-18 and CF-29 notebook computers, and the semi-rugged CF-73 notebook computer, have been certified by Verizon Wireless for use on the Verizon Wireless BroadbandAccess EV-DO network. Panasonic, which has been embedding wireless capabilities for six years, was the first notebook vendor to integrate and ship embedded EV-DO laptops using the Verizon network, starting earlier this month.
Panasonic is committed to providing the latest wireless technology advancements, enabling EV-DO connectivity through the embedded Sierra Wireless EM5625 OEM module. By providing durable mobile computing solutions, Panasonic enables Toughbook customers to benefit from faster data speeds, reliable access to email and critical software applications and information.
"We were the first company to integrate and ship notebooks with OEM EV-DO technology, providing a distinct advantage to Panasonic Toughbook customers in key industries and public safety organizations across the United States," said Rance Poehler, president of Panasonic Computer Solutions Company. "As the leaders in rugged notebook solutions for the past 15 years, we are excited to offer our customers next-generation wireless with Sierra Wireless."
"Customers have come to depend on Toughbook notebooks to keep them working under demanding conditions. Reliable wireless access to critical data has been an important part of Panasonic's success," said Jason Cohenour, Chief Operating Officer for Sierra Wireless. "We are pleased to work with Panasonic Computer Solutions Company to ensure their customers will find their wireless network connection to be just as durable and reliable as the computer itself."
Panasonic's integrated wireless solutions are designed, developed and manufactured with embedded OEM modules and retractable built-in antennas to provide the most advanced performance in the industry. Panasonic Toughbooks are engineered to provide access to all current technologies including CDMA 1xRTT, GSM/GPRS, EDGE and EV-DO. They utilize the Intel® Centrino™ chipset for seamless connectivity to local networks and can be configured with Bluetooth™ technology for connectivity to local printers, headsets and networks.
The fully-rugged and durable Panasonic Toughbook CF-18 and CF-29 are designed using MIL-STD-810F environmental testing procedures for drops, shocks, altitude, vibration, and dust, water and extreme temperature resistance. Both models are encased in magnesium alloy and feature a shock-mounted removable hard drive in a stainless steel case. With one quick swivel, the Toughbook CF-18 transforms from a fully-rugged maximum-performance notebook PC to a fully-rugged handwriting-friendly tablet PC.
The high-performance Toughbook CF-73 is ideal for mobile professionals and is built to withstand the rigors of travel. Its versatile combo drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) and large outdoor-readable touchscreen LCD allow users to work seamlessly in any location.
Panasonic also offers premium support services for all models that assure its customers experience maximum uptime and productivity.
The dual-band Sierra Wireless EM5625 embedded module provides a powerful, reliable, wireless engine that can be integrated into a wide variety of mobile devices. It offers voice, data, and messaging functionality at typical data speeds of 400-700 kbps, with bursts up to 2.4 Mbps. The EM5625 complies with new European Union directives on RoHS (Restrictions on Hazardous Substances).
For more information about Toughbooks and wireless, go to http://panasonic.com/toughbook.
About Panasonic Computer Solutions Company
Panasonic Computer Solutions Company is the leading provider of ruggedized notebook PCs for mobile professionals in the USA. The company is a unit of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. of Japan (NYSE: MC), which recorded annual sales of $71.44 billion in the most recently reported fiscal year. Matsushita Electric is one of the only manufacturers today that directly controls the process of design, manufacture and quality assurance of its notebook PCs. Many key components, including LCD panels, Lithium-Ion batteries, DVD and CD-ROM drives, and board-level electronics are the products of its divisions. The products, people and business of Panasonic Computer Solutions Company are entirely dedicated to the needs of the professional user, including Fortune 1000 business and government professionals. Panasonic also supplies mobile computing solutions to over 4,000 police departments in the United States.
Information on Panasonic's full line of notebook PCs for the mobile professional can be obtained by calling 800-662-3537 or at http://www.panasonic.com/toughbook.