Best's Review: Going Mobile

Tom OConnor discusses the importance of total ownership cost, return on investment, ruggedness, and warranties in the market of corporate computer purchasing. Mobility and productivity have become inexorably connected.

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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 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.

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2011 Mobility Award for Rugged Systems and Software: MobileTrax March 23, 2011

MobileTrax LLC, a leading mobile and wireless industry analyst firm, awarded the Toughbook U1 Ultra its Mobiletrax Mobility Award in the "Tablets and Rugged Systems & Software" category. The 2011 Mobility Awards were selected by 31 press and analysts who cover the mobile and wireless market. The Mobility Awards recognize the best mobile computing and wireless data communications products and services introduced to the market during the past year (2010).

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MIL-STD Certifications: MIL-STD-810G

Fully-rugged Panasonic computers are the first computers to be MIL-STD-810G certified for a range of extreme conditions including 72" drops¹, shocks, vibration, humidity, altitude, rain-, dust- and sand-resistance, temperature extremes and thermal shock. Each of the twenty MIL-STD-810G tests conducted have been certified by independent lab testing. MIL-STD-810G, which was created in October 2008, supersedes MIL-STD-810F.

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MIL-STD-461F

Fully-rugged Toughbook models are also tested to the MIL-STD-461F standard methodology for electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) in Panasonic's R&D facility in Japan and certified by a third party. The certification ensures that Panasonic Toughbook mobile computers are electromagnetically compatible with other nearby electronic equipment. Panasonic Toughbook mobile computers do not generate unwanted electromagnetic energy that could interfere with the operation of other equipment, nor are susceptible to the effects of unwanted electromagnetic energy from equipment in the same vicinity.

Panasonic has various certifications that meet federal requirements for rugged computers. Below is the MIL-STD-461F certification.

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Ingress Protection (IP65)

Fully-rugged Toughbook® mobile computers are IP65 certified1 according to the IP code defined in the international standard IEC 60529.

The products are tested and certified by an independent test lab facility located in the United States. Rather than vaguely describing equipment as "waterproof" or "dustproof", the IP Code uniformly quantifies various levels of resistance to liquids, particulates and solid objects. The numbers following the letters "IP" represent the specific degree of protection provided by electrical enclosures. The first digit (6) indicates the ingress of dust at a level that will not have a harmful effect on the operation of the unit. The second digit (5) indicates that water sprayed from all directions will not compromise the computer's functioning. Higher numbers indicate a higher tolerance to dust and water. For example, a unit with an IP65 rating will withstand both elements better than a unit with an IP54 rating. While IP65-certified Toughbook computers are not completely impervious to the ingress of water or dust, the rating does indicate neither element will cause operational complications while used under conditions commonly encountered by Toughbook mobile computers.

DOWNLOAD IP65 REPORT

Underwriters Laboratories (UL 1604)

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) tests products for public safety and has developed more than 1,000 "Standards for Safety".

UL 1604 certification allows products to be used in potentially explosive environments found in oil and gas, petrochemical, aviation and other industries. Select fully-rugged Toughbook® mobile computers can be configured to provide safe, reliable solutions for spark-free use. UL 1604-approved models are available for use in Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C and D environments. These are defined as places where flammable gases, vapors and liquids are present during abnormal or accident conditions.

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ENERGY STAR Qualification

ENERGY STAR, a joint program between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy, offers voluntary qualification for products that are energy efficient. The ENERGY STAR program sets high standards designed to save energy, save money and help protect the environment for future generations. Panasonic is one of nearly 20,000 organizations that have become ENERGY STAR partners, all working to promote, sell, or improve products, homes, and buildings that use less energy and qualify for the ENERGY STAR. Panasonic's commitment to ENERGY STAR initiatives and other environmental programs have resulted in all Toughbook® computers earning the ENERGY STAR.

ENERGY STAR for computers raises the efficiency bar dramatically. ENERGY STAR establishes efficiency requirements for all modes of a product's operation, which ensures energy savings when a product is active and running basic applications, as well as in low power modes. Qualifying products must also include an internal power supply that is at least 80 percent efficient. Only the most energy-efficient products, including all Toughbook computers have qualified for the new specification. If all computers sold in the US meet ENERGY STAR requirements, the savings in energy costs will grow to more than $1.5 billion each year, reducing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 2 million vehicles.

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EPEAT Certification

EPEAT is an easy-to-use, online tool to help purchasers in the public and private sectors evaluate, compare and select products based on their environmental attributes. EPEAT also provides a clear and consistent set of performance criteria for the design of products, and provides an opportunity for manufacturers to secure market recognition for their efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its products.

EPEAT evaluates electronic products according to three tiers of environmental performance — Bronze, Silver and Gold. There are 51 total environmental criteria: 23 required criteria and 28 optional criteria. A Bronze-rated product meets all 23 required criteria. A Silver-rated product meets all 23 required criteria plus at least 50% of the optional criteria. A Gold-rated product meets all 23 required criteria and at least 75% of the optional criteria. All Toughbook computer models are either gold- or silver-rated, ensuring the highest level of environmental performance.

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ISO Certification

Since 1996, all Panasonic manufacturing plants worldwide—including the factory in Kobe, Japan—have achieved ISO 14001 registration and implemented the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System. The Kobe factory has also been certified for ISO 9001, an international standard for quality management systems that enhance product quality assurance and customer satisfaction.

International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an international federation promoting the development of international manufacturing, trade, and communication standards. ISO 14000, a series of standards, provides the framework for managing the environmental impacts of an organization.

The ISO 14001 international standard established a systematic approach that organizations can use to minimize or prevent environmental impacts and risks. This approach, known as an Environmental Management System or EMS, requires the organization to establish an environmental control policy, educate employees about procedures and continually monitor environmental performance.

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RoHS Compliance

For manufacturers of electronic equipment, the main impact of RoHS is that only lead-free products can be sold in Europe. Panasonic has therefore shifted to lead-free solder. By selling RoHS-compliant products in all countries, not just Europe, Panasonic helps eliminate hazardous electronic waste materials from landfills and waste dumps around the world.

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Section 508 Standards

Section 508 was enacted to eliminate barriers in information technology, to make available new opportunities for people with disabilities, and to encourage development of technologies that will help achieve these goals. Electronic and information technology procured by Federal agencies must meet Section 508's requirements for accessibility.

Toughbook® mobile computers have long been designed and manufactured with access-friendly features, such as touchscreens and the ability to be mounted on wheelchairs. In addition, Panasonic works closely with Microsoft to ensure that Toughbook computers can take full advantage of the accessibility features built into Windows®. Panasonic continually endeavors to make all its products more accessible to, and usable by, individuals with disabilities. In fact, Panasonic worked with ITIC (Information Technology Industry Council) in developing the Section 508 "Buy Accessible" template, and also actively participates in the GSA (General Services Administration) sponsored Accessibility Forum.

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Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless delivers high-speed wireless access in 259 major metro areas, covering more than 280 million people. Panasonic Toughbook computers connect to the Verizon Wireless network without the need of a PC card or Wi-Fi hotspot.

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AT&T

A United States wireless leader, AT&T has more than 72.9 million subscribers and offers the best coverage of any carrier worldwide1. Panasonic Toughbook mobile computers are designed with embedded wireless technology allowing instant access to AT&T's extensive high-speed network without the need for an external card, additional antenna or other accessories.

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Sprint

Sprint offers a comprehensive range of wireless connectivity services reaching over 249 million individuals, businesses and government users. Select Toughbook mobile computer models connect seamlessly with Sprint's extensive network, delivering high-speed wireless access in over 18,477 cities and 1,818 airports.

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Toughbook 19

Toughbook H2

Toughbook-PDRC