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Toughbook U1


Versatile, Extremely Rugged and Ultra-Portable with a 5.6" WSVGA Sunlight-Viewable Screen
A powerful solution for an ultra-mobile PC, the Toughbook U1 comes with the Windows Vista operating system (Windows XP available), a solid-state drive and the Intel® Processor. In addition, the Panasonic Toughbook U1 is the first certified1 handheld PC for MIL-STD-810G, along with a 6-foot and IP65 certified1 rugged design. The U1 also features integrated Wi-Fi, USB and SD card slots, backlit QWERTY keyboard, and a 5.6" WSVGA sunlight-viewable touchscreen.
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Awards

Frost & Sullivan
2009 Global Market Engineering Award for Product Innovation
May 2009

Winner of the 2009 Global Market Engineering Award for Product Innovation, the Panasonic Toughbook U1 redefines handheld computing with its optimal combination of strength, speed and size. According to Frost & Sullivan, "There is currently no better device to handle the rigors of field work. It is small enough to go virtually unnoticed when not in use, yet has the integrated features, connectivity, durability, and processing power to improve productivity for nearly every enterprise worker, no matter how far off the beaten path they find themselves."

Reviews

Trusted Reviews Toughbook U1 Review (July 2008)
View U1 product review
Police Magazine Toughbook U1 Review (September 2008)
View U1 product review [pdf, 573k]

Bylined Articles

Integrated Solutions

"Navigate Mobile Technology Investments For A Competitive Edge"
According to a recent IDC Worldwide Mobile Worker Population Forecast, nearly 75% of the U.S. workforce will perform at least part of their jobs outside the traditional office space by the end of 2011. Rance M. Poehler, president of Panasonic Computer Solutions Company, outlines the necessary factors to consider when selecting the best mobile computing solution to meet the needs of a growing mobile workforce, while also minimizing hidden costs.



WaterWorld

"Wise Mobile Technology Investments in Tough Economic Times"
For water utilities deploying mobile computers, achieving the lowest Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is critical to improving efficiency and increasing profit. However, when budgets run tight, companies are often tempted to make mobile computer purchasing decisions based solely on sticker price. But this short-sighted approach can cost more in downtime, repairs and broken equipment. Jason Smith, senior business development manager at Panasonic Computer Solutions Company, explains how to calculate the true TCO of a device.



Supply Chain Management

"Supply Chain and Logistics Markets Reap the Benefits of Ultra Mobile PCs"
In an atmosphere of growing competition, supply chain and logistics organizations are looking to technology to help them work more efficiently. Many companies are turning from proprietary handheld devices to open-platform ultra-mobile PCs (UMPCs) for a complete solution. Jeff Tingley, senior business development manager at Panasonic Computer Solutions Company, discusses this trend and explains how ruggedized UMPCs are changing the face of the industry, delivering high performance and reliable connectivity in an ultraportable form factor.



Police Chief

"Applying Digital In-Car Video Systems to Manage Evidence and Obtain Prosecutions"
In-car camera technology is one of the best tools agencies have to protect themselves and their officers from false allegations. These digital recording systems streamline video and audio capture and storage, ensuring that evidence is court-admissible. Joni Eddy, assistant chief of police in Lewisville, Texas, and Joe Martin, director of business development, government, for Panasonic Computer Solutions Company, details one agency's experiences in selecting and deploying digital video systems in its patrol fleet.

view article [pdf, 6.2m]


Law and Order

"Business Leaders Look to 2008"
What are the challenges in law enforcement for 2008? According to Joe Martin, executive business developement manager for Panasonic, the top concerns are "safety" and "efficiency," not only in day-to-day operations but for the long-term. In this article, Joe discusses why ergonomic design and wireless and video capability, as well as reliability and durability are vital to the future of law enforcement.

view article [pdf, 67k]


Network & Cabling

"Take Your Show on the Road"
As telecommunications technology improves, customers demand ever more services; therefore, it is vital that employees and field-service workers have the most reliable mobile computing tools on hand. Mike McMahon, director of workforce automation for Panasonic Computer Solutions Company, addresses the importance of reviewing all facets of implementation when choosing an effective mobile computing solution.

view article [pdf, 1mb]


Business Solutions

"Quality Pays Off: Focus on TCO in Mobile Computers"
Mobile technology has progressed to a point where people can access anything, anywhere, using affordable and powerful tools. However, it is vital that these tools withstand harsh environments in the field. In this article, Sheila O'Neil, senior director of channel sales for Panasonic Computer Solutions Company, discusses the vital role that quality of hardware plays in the total cost of ownership (TCO) of a mobile computing solution.



Health News Digest

"No Weak Links: Selecting Mobile Computing Solutions for Healthcare"
Over the past few years, more health organizations have turned to mobile technology to provide medical personnel instant access to vital documents and information. Greg Davidson, a business development manager responsible for healthcare mobile computing solutions at Panasonic, addresses the importance of ensuring that the best portable information systems are implemented in healthcare environments.



Law Enforcement Technology

Looking Toward the "Agency of the Future."
Law enforcement agencies work closely with technology vendors to equip their officers with the best mobile tools available. Jan Ruderman, senior director, public sector, mobile computing solutions for Panasonic, outlines these up-and-coming technologies and discusses their benefits to the future of law enforcement.

view article [pdf, 196k]


Transport Technology Today

"Opening the door to possibilities"
Not long ago, fleet operators gathering information on transport vehicles had to work with multiple computing systems that were not integrated. But, as technology has progressed, open systems have enabled the design of fully integrated, customizable computer systems. In this article, Bill Presler, senior business development manager for Panasonic Computer Solutions Company, offers best practices for building an optimal mobile operation.

view article [pdf, 111k]


Water and Wastes Digest

"Evaluating mobile computing solutions for water utilities"
From meter reading to mapping to customer service, mobile computers play a vital role in the water industry. Often, these computers must perform in less-than-ideal conditions. Thell Gillis, business development manager for the energy, utilities and communications industries at Panasonic Computer Solutions Company, outlines the features mobile computing solutions must have in order to meet the needs of the water industry.



WaterWorld

"Mobile Computing Requires PCs "Ruggedized" for Working Environment"
Advancements in wireless technology and software have made mobile field automation and communication widely available to water and wastewater organizations. In this article, Rick Elliott, national sales manager for the utilities, energy and communications industries at Panasonic Computer Solutions Company, discusses how factors such as ruggedness, battery life and wireless capabilities are critical when evaluating mobile computing solutions.



White Papers

Mapping Technical and Operational Challenges of Mobile Computing Deployments

Many organizations invest in mobile computing solutions based on inaccurate Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) models. The result is substantially higher ownership costs, poor customer service performance and lost revenue. This whitepaper reveals overlooked deployment costs and customer-specific operational details in TCO analysis, and explains how to leverage mobility investments into a true competitive advantage.


Uptime All the Time: Tools for Greater Field Force Efficiency

Field technicians are a vital link between a company and its customers. To enhance the value of their services, organizations are looking to rugged mobile technologies to alleviate the inefficiency of paper-based systems that can affect client relationships. This white paper discusses how mobile computing solutions can streamline field service processes, outlines the keys to effective deployment, and provides case studies that demonstrate the successful use of rugged mobile computers in the field.


Using Analytics for Better Mobile Technology Decisions

Different departments within organizations often define the value and true costs of mobile computing differently. Choosing a solution that minimizes Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), maximizes Return on Investment (ROI) and meets the needs of the entire organization requires an honest, vendor-neutral analysis. This white paper discusses how the Panasonic Toughbook ROI Evaluator uses actual corporate data to generate comprehensive analyses that help companies come to a consensus when making purchasing decisions.


Assessing the Broad Business Case for Rugged Computing

Driven by the increase in mobile workers, new broadband technologies and the use of laptops in a wider range of environments, the demand for rugged, business laptops is rising. Today, nearly 60 percent of companies consider themselves a virtual workplace and many employers are currently looking to expand their mobile workforces. This white paper addresses these key demand drivers and provides a comprehensive overview on rugged mobile computing.


The Business Case for Embedded Wireless Technologies in Mobile Enterprise Strategies

While mobile solutions have made great strides in the last decade, advancements in embedded wireless wide-area networking (WWAN) now offer business users even higher levels of portability and productivity. A growing number of companies are discarding their poor-performing, labor-intensive wireless network cards in favor of embedded wireless solutions. This white paper explores the latest developments in embedded wireless networking, as well as how it benefits both users and organizations.


Realizing the Benefits of Digital In-Car Video for the Law Enforcement Community

Law enforcement professionals require a secure means of collecting and processing evidence for use in legal proceedings. A mobile digital video system can be an ideal solution. This white paper outlines the application and value of digital video solutions in law enforcement, focusing on incident capture and evidence.


The Role of Rugged Mobile Computing in Overhaul, Service and Maintenance Operations

Rugged mobile computers have become increasingly vital in the overhaul, service and maintenance operations for automotive, aerospace and other large equipment manufacturers. These industries must continually increase productivity while keeping up with the latest technologies. This white paper discusses how rugged mobile computers make this possible with durable, portable solutions that withstand the harsh environments found in which they operate.


Mobility and Reliability Make the Panasonic Toughbook Wireless Display a Winner for Operational Efficiency

Keeping mobile employees connected through wireless devices and lightweight communication tools is critical for companies wishing to achieve workflow efficiencies and cost savings. However, advancements in information technologies have also created new issues regarding data integrity and security. This white paper discusses the challenges businesses face and how the Toughbook 08 is designed to address these operational inefficiencies and privacy concerns.


News

Panasonic Toughbook U1 Receives Frost & Sullivan 2009 Global Market Engineering Award for Product Innovation (May 2009)
View U1 press release
Toughbook central by Trudy Walsh
(GCN, February 03, 2009)
read review
'Sell The Right Rugged Form Factor' by Business Solutions (November 2008)
View U1 article
Panasonic Highlights Mobile Computing Innovations, Intel® AtomTM Processor-based Mobile Devices at IDF San Francisco (August 2008)
View U1 press release
Panasonic Unveils the Handheld toughbook CF-U1, a Rugged Ultra Mobile PC for Field Workers in Extreme Environments (June 2008)
View U1 press release
1 Tested by a national independent third party test lab following MIL-STD-810G Method 516.6 Procedure IV for transit drop test and IEC 60529 Sections 13.4, 13.6.2, 14.2.5 and 14.3 for IP65.
Windows®. Life without Walls™. Panasonic recommends Windows.

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