Panasonic Toughbook Rugged Notebooks Become First Laptops Available With Embedded EV-DO Wireless Access
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 are now available with built-in access to Sprint's EV-DO and CDMA 1X networks. Panasonic, which has been embedding wireless capabilities for six years, was the first notebook vendor to integrate and ship embedded EV-DO laptops on the Sprint network, starting in August 2005.
Panasonic is committed to providing the latest wireless technology advancements. By delivering next-generation mobile computing solutions, Panasonic continues to meet the demands of its customers to achieve the fastest, highest quality data speeds, promoting reliable access to email, critical information and software applications. Panasonic is enabling EV-DO connectivity through the embedded Sierra Wireless EM5625 OEM module.
"As the leaders in mobile computing solutions for the past 15 years - and a provider of integrated wireless since 1999 - we have consistently delivered mobility in the most reliable and durable package," said Rance Poehler, president of Panasonic Computer Solutions Company. "Our customers, in industry, in all levels of government and in public safety, have come to rely on us to be at the forefront of advances in wireless technology. Providing embedded access to next generation wireless networks through our partnership with Sierra Wireless raises the bar for anytime, anywhere, reliable access to critical information."
"Customers for rugged notebooks are often working under demanding conditions or in remote areas with minimal support," said Jason Cohenour, Chief Operating Officer for Sierra Wireless. "They need both the notebook and the wireless connection to be reliable, with no downtime. Sierra Wireless is pleased to work with Panasonic Computer Solutions Company to ensure that their customers get the same reliable performance out of their wireless connection that they expect out of a Toughbook rugged notebook."
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 1x, 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.