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Toughbook 52


Intel Centrino
The Ultimate in Power and Portability
The Panasonic Toughbook® 52 delivers the power of a desktop in a semi-rugged design that provides the flexibility to work anywhere. With a shock-mounted, quick-release hard drive, magnesium alloy casing, and spill-resistant keyboard and touchpad, it stands up to the bumps and bruises of a day on-the-go. The user-selectable 15.4" widescreen or 13.3" sunlight-viewable 1,000 nit touchscreen makes the Toughbook 52 perfect for group presentations or outdoor use. Offering increased security and remote management, with Intel® Centrino® 2 with vPro™ technology and the optional embedded Gobi™ mobile broadband, Toughbook 52 is the ultimate business tool.
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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.


Reviews

Panasonic Toughbook 52
(CNET Editor’s Review March 22, 2009)
read review
Panasonic Toughbook 52 by Cisco Cheng
(PCMAG.COM October 16, 2007)
read review

News

Toughbook central by Trudy Walsh
(GCN, February 03, 2009)
read review
Panasonic Upgrades Proven Toughbook Notebooks With Intel Centrino 2 Chipset, Other Enhancements (July 15, 2008)
View press release
Laptop Magazine Honors Panasonic Toughbook 52 Notebook With Ultimate Choice Award (July 14, 2008)
View press release
Panasonic And Verizon Wireless Announce Certification Of Toughbook 52 Semi-Rugged Mobile PC With Broadbandaccess Built-In (August 7, 2007)
View press release
CMP Channel'S VAR Business Recognizes The Panasonic Toughbook® 52 Mobile PC With Tech Innovator Award (October 9, 2007)
View press release

Awards

LAPTOP Magazine
Ultimate Choice Award for Top Laptop on the Market
July 2008

The Panasonic Toughbook 52 was honored with LAPTOP Magazine's Ultimate Choice Award in summer 2008. After testing and evaluating a range of mobile technology products, LAPTOP chose the Toughbook based upon its design, ease of use, features, performance and overall value. The Toughbook 52 was praised for its durable magnesium-alloy case and shock-mounted hard drive, as well as its embedded wireless and reliable performance.

LAPTOP Magazine
Editors' Choice Award
January 2008

The Panasonic Toughbook 52 was honored with LAPTOP Magazine's Ultimate Choice Award in summer 2008. After testing and evaluating a range of mobile technology products, LAPTOP chose the Toughbook based upon its design, ease of use, features, performance and overall value. LAPTOP provides information, advice and insights that enable readers to thrive in a wireless world. LAPTOP serves as a leading source of mobile technology information and the essential guide for both mobile professionals and tech-savvy consumers who want to make informed buying decisions and stay connected and entertained on the go.

Newport's roadSTAR Magazine
MVP Award
December 2007

The Panasonic Toughbook 52, a semi-rugged, wireless-ready desktop replacement notebook was chosen for the RoadStar Most Valuable Product award. The Toughbook 52 was selected for its unique combination of features, including the spill-resistant keyboard, widescreen, flexible internal connectors, and shock-mounted hard drive.

RoadStar's Most Valuable Products awards showcase the editors' picks of the best new product introductions of the year. The winners were selected from hundreds of new product articles appearing in the magazine, at www.truckinginfo.com and in the Internet-delivered New Product News magazine. They were judged on their ability to make a driver's life safer, more comfortable or more convenient.

PC Magazine
Editor's Choice Award for Best Product Performance
October 2007

The Toughbook 52 is equipped with an Intel Core 2 Duo T7100 or T7300 processor running at 1.8 and 2.0 GHz, respectively, and 1GB of RAM (upgradable to 4GB).Storage comes by of an 80GB or 120GB hard drive, and video is driven by an ATI X2300 M71-M or Intel GMA X3100 graphics chip. The system has a built-in DVD burner, four USB ports, a FireWire port, and ExpressCard and PC Card Slots. A SmartCard slot provides an added layer of security. The system comes with an 802.11a/b/g Wi-fi adapter and can be outfitted with Bluetooth 2.0 and Verizon Wireless mobile broadband (EV-DO) options to provide all the wireless connectivity you'll need.

VARBusiness
Tech Innovator Award in Portable PCs category
October 2007

VARBusiness is written covers analysis of strategic technologies, management-related issues, customer experiences and high value solutions while anticipating trends and delivering critical research executives can leverage for a competitive advantage. It provides value-added resellers, Internet service providers, integrators, developers, consultants and e-commerce and e-solutions providers with the latest news, business and service information.

ROI Evaluator


The Toughbook ROI Evaluator
The Toughbook ROI Evaluator is an application that objectively analyzes the costs/benefits of mobile computing solutions from different vendors. This vendor-neutral application is designed to help purchasing managers choose a solution that provides the best ROI (Return On Investment) and TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) based on their unique business needs. It performs a detailed cost analysis of up-front purchase cost, repair expenditures and downtime, specific product features, value of ownership, disposal, and much more.

This objective third-party interactive tool was built to answer the most critical questions asked by customers:

  • What will it cost to buy?
  • What will it cost to own?
  • What will it cost to deploy and decommission?
  • What value will be created for the organization?

The reports that are generated can be replicated, modified or entirely changed without any input from Panasonic, using Microsoft Excel.

additional resources
Toughbook ROI Evaluator Brochure
Learn how the Toughbook ROI Evaluator can accurately calculate company-specific ROI, TCO and Cost/Benefit data by viewing the Toughbook ROI Evaluator brochure [pdf, 420k].
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