The Ultimate Guide to Toughpad Models

Mooring Tech, Inc. proudly presents the Ultimate Guide to Panasonic Toughpad Models, the best in rugged tablet technology.

If you’re looking for a guide to the newest and best Panasonic Toughpad models on the market, you've come to the right place. In this guide, you’ll discover the features, benefits, and profiles of the ideal users for the highest-quality rugged, ultra-rugged and semi-rugged tablet models on the market today.

Which tablet is right for you? While we can certainly help, ultimately the decision is yours so let's help make it an informed one.  In general Panasonic Toughpads have all been designed to meet the highly demanding needs of mobile workers including those who work in mining, the aviation and construction industries, and in field sales.

Read this ultimate guide to compare model specs and find the very best ruggedized tablet for the job you do... no matter how tough your activities and environmental conditions are likely to be.

Jump to:

• Semi-Rugged Toughpad Q2
• Fully Rugged Toughpad G1
• Fully Rugged Toughpad M1
• Fully Rugged Toughpad A2
• Fully Rugged Toughpad B2
• Ultra-Rugged Toughpad X1
• Fully Rugged Toughpad N1
• Ultra-Rugged Toughpad E1
• Fully Rugged Toughpad F1

Panasonic FZ-Q2

An enterprise-grade tablet that is ideal for professionals in the field, the Toughpad FZ-Q2 is one of a kind. A two-in-one design with an attachable keyboard to add to its versatility, it has been designed to literally go anywhere. Considerably lighter than any of the hybrid laptop/tablets in the Panasonic stable, it fills a gap in the market that no other mobile device has managed to fill. Its semi-rugged design is key to dirt and dust resistance. Overall, it lowers the cost of ownership for customers and increases ROI on mobile computing.

Unique Features

Powerful performance, more than double the battery life of regular consumer tablets, and the very latest software help to rank this tough tablet at the top of the ladder. It features shock-absorbing technology that doesn’t require a fan. An optional heater for its solid-state hard drive ensures it can be used in extremely cold conditions.  

The Panasonic FZ-Q2 is powered by the cutting-edge sixth generation Intel Core m5-6Y57 with dual-core vPRO processor and integrated Intel HD graphics. It comes standard with Windows 10 Pro but can be downgraded to Windows 7 if required. Like the leading Panasonic CF-20 Toughbook laptop computer, it operates from 1.1 GHz to ultra-fast 2.8 GHz using Intel Turbo Boost technology.

The battery is serviceable and battery life is exceptional for a tablet. It will keep going for nine hours requiring just two-and-a-half hours to be recharged. The device also has great security features that will keep your data safe.

Benefits

Light and classy, this mobile device is encased in a rigid magnesium alloy chassis with sturdy edge guards. Benefits of the FZ-Q2 give it an unquestionable edge over other semi-rugged devices that might appeal to professionals who need a tough mobile device they can depend on:

• Light and handy The 12½-inch tablet measures 13.4 x 8.7 inches and it is 0.8 inches thick. It weighs just 2.3 lbs.
• Robust and tough Although it is semi-rugged, everything about this machine is tough. The tablet has a strong back support and kickstand for use in laptop mode, and the keyboard is spill-proof. Built to withstand tough wear and tear, it will withstand drops up to 2½ feet, harsh vibration, and a whole lot of dust.
• Dependability The device is equipped with a field-serviceable solid-state drive, and a battery that ensures it has a long, stable lifecycle. It also offers reliable 4G connectivity.
• Versatility The detachable full-sized keyboard is backlit to simplify lengthy data entry jobs. When it is removed users are left with a lightweight tablet for communications and ease of reference. The touchscreen is anti-reflective and the display offers high definition, both features that improve visibility when working outside in bright light.

Ideal User Profile

Made for the world of professionals on the move who need two-in-one functionality in many demanding situations, the FZ-Q2 caters for:

• Field service and transportation These are people who are constantly on the move, and they need reliable connectivity wherever they are. The dual-band 4G LTE wireless feature is something they find particularly useful.
• Utilities and telecommunications The unique HDMI-in1 feature provides a great solution for the needs of the entire cable industry, making on-site diagnostics a whole lot easier.
• Health, food, and inspection Its reliable portability and ease of sanitization with disinfection products make it an ideal choice for those working in food service, home health care, and various inspection functions.
• Retail The combination of rugged durability and an innovative desktop cradle solution designed for hybrid point-of-sale systems makes the FZ-Q2 a great option for retail professionals working in back office settings.

Lightweight, fully-rugged, and amazingly durable, the Toughpad FZ-G1 is made to withstand the elements. Whether you bump, bash, or drop it, or find yourself in a major rainstorm, in a high-heat dust storm in the desert, or in freezing conditions in the snow, you can rest assured that it will survive. Fully rugged, the FZ-G1 has been engineered to continue working seamlessly in any type of environment, making it the first choice for those working in highly demanding and unpredictable circumstances.

Unique Features

Measuring 10.6 x 7.4 inches and just 0.8 inches thick, this is the thinnest, lightest fully rugged 10.1-inch tablet that runs Windows 10 Pro (64-bit). It comes with a professional downgrade option to Windows 7. Amazingly compact, it provides critical port connectivity that is protected behind a magnesium cover that locks. A rubberized seal protects the workings from dirt and dust as well as all forms of moisture. There is also a raised bezel that provides LCD impact protection and a replaceable screen film that offers further protection.

The design is MIL-STD-810G-certified for a range of possible disasters and environmental conditions including a four-foot drop, exposure to rain, sand, dust, high and low temperatures, various extreme altitudes, freeze and thaw, explosive atmospheres, temperature shock, humidity, and severe vibration. It is also an IP65-certified all-weather design.

The Panasonic FZ-G1 is powered by a sixth-generation Intel Core i5-6300U (optional i7) vPro processor that operates from 2.4 GHz to 3.0 GHz utilizing high tech Turbo Boost technology. It has a 256 GB solid state drive that is fitted with a heater for those occasions where freeze might be a problem. Overall, the processing power it offers results in high-speed performance.

It comes with a standard 14-hour battery but is available with an optional 28-hour long life battery as well as an optional bridge battery that has only one minute swap time even when the machine is hot.

Benefits

Light and beautifully slim, the FZ-G1 boasts a signature Panasonic magnesium-alloy chassis that is encased with protective elastomer corner guards. An indispensable tool for the most challenging jobs in the field, it features an HD daylight-readable 10-point gloved multi-touch screen with adjustable brightness. Other benefits include:

• Ease of use The capacitive ten-finger multi-touch digitizer screen supports bare-hand touch and glove mode, and can also be used with wet hands. It also has an electronic waterproof stylus pen that makes it super-easy to use in wet conditions.
• Superior connectivity Wireless connectivity is reliable and secure. It is fitted with Intel dual-band wireless-AC 8260 and Bluetooth v4.1 that offers classic and low energy modes using headsets, wireless keyboards, and various other wireless devices. If that’s not enough, there is also optional 3G or 4G WA.
• Varied camera features There is a front-facing 720p webcam with a mic, as well as an autofocus 8 MP rear camera that features an LED light. The webcam is great for all video conferencing tools, including Skype, and the rear camera is ideal for shooting pix. If you need a barcode reader for scanning inventory, this is an optional extra.

Ideal User Profile

Engineered to withstand life’s hardest knocks, the Toughpad FZ-G1 is ideal for:

• First responders Ambulance crews and firefighters need a mobile device that will keep them connected to their control room and give them instant access to data. The FZ-G1 gives them the connectivity they need as well as the peace of mind that the device will work wherever they have to go.
• Police and military personnel Faced with mission-critical circumstances on a daily basis, military and police personnel need the same sort of reassurances as first responders. The stringent testing the FZ-G1 undergoes proves that it is fully rugged and made for specific mission-critical situations.
• Healthcare workers Like first responders, health care workers find themselves in unpredictable circumstances and conditions. This device meets total mobility solutions as well as environmental challenges.
• Factory workers The factory floor can be a tough environment to work in, depending of course on the specific job carried out. Conditions can be hot, dusty, and dirty, and if heavy machinery is involved vibrations can be an issue. There is no doubt that this device is fit for tasks carried out on any factory floor.

Smaller than most, the fully-rugged 7-inch Toughpad FZ-M1 was engineered for productivity without the need to compromise. It was designed for maximum flexibility and can be used in virtually any circumstances and weather conditions – however hot, cold, dusty, or wet they are. Light, solid and relatively chunky, it is considered an outdoor tablet ideally for both business and outdoor field workers who need pocket portability. 

Unique Features

Lightweight and incredibly rugged for its size, this little device is sufficiently powerful for use as a fully-functional PC in an office environment. Although not as powerful as larger, newer Panasonic Toughpads, it is the only rugged 7-inch tablet that uses the sixth generation Intel Core m5-6Y5Y vPro processor at 2.8 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost up to 2.3 GHz and using 4 MB cache.

An appealing advantage is that it can run most desktop applications without requiring changes that need to be configured for your needs. Also, it is the first 4.5-watt central processing unit (CPU) produced in tablet form that has this kind of superior processing power – and with a lot less energy required. Supplied with Windows Pro 10 it can be downgraded to Windows 7 if required.

Because it draws less power, the FZ-M1 runs cooler than most other mobile devices and it doesn’t need a fan (so is fanless). Additionally, it complies with the IP65 certifications for rain and dust resistance. It has a high-sensitivity multi-touch screen that can be read in sunlight and can be used even with heavy gloves.

The FZ-M1 is also easy to customize and will accommodate a wide range of integrated options from barcode, SmartCard, and magnetic strip readers to Ethernet or serial port. It can also be configured for 4G LTE multi-carrier embedded wireless broadband connectivity, as well as dedicated GPS.

Benefits

Small and lightweight, the FZ-M1 is a sealed unit that has been certified to the very highest standards. It features the usual tough, ready-to-be-rough rigid magnesium alloy chassis with elastomer corner guards for protection. There are numerous benefits for mission-critical mobile workers including:

• Runs with custom applications Whether you want to load commercial apps available for the FZ-M1 or those you plan to develop yourself, this can be done very easily. Panasonic even offers a software developers kit for custom applications.
• Rugged benefits in a small package Offering the very best rugged reliability in the smallest possible package, the little FZ-M1 has met the ultimate MIL-STD-810G challenges proving it will withstand just about everything thrown at it. This includes drops up to five foot as well as altitude, humidity, extreme temperatures, shock, and vibration. It is also certified in terms of IP65 to withstand possible damage from driving rain and elements like dust and sand.
• Suitable for multiple uses Whether you need to use this device in the field wearing heavy gloves, in your vehicle, or in the office, it’ll work for you. There’s an optional bridge battery that ensures hot-swap replacement to ensure you can use it continuously.

Ideal User Profile

Intended for use by the full range of today’s highly mobile workers who need a rugged, lightweight tablet, the Toughpad FZ-MI is ideal for:

• Mobile fieldworkers It’s small and light, which makes it perfect for fieldworkers who need a highly portable tablet.
• Customer sales and service The FZ-M1 is especially well-suited for mobile point-of-sale use and for the full realm of customer service tasks. Because it has an external monitor and comes with a desktop cradle, it can be used as a desktop device as well.
• Inventory and asset management This little powerhouse of a tablet proves that you don’t need a big machine to successfully undertake tasks like asset tracking and inventory management. It is also a good option for eForms, eCitations, route delivery systems, and for keeping and checking on electronic medical records.
• Geographic Information System services A highly specialized industry, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) literally relate unrelated information using locations as the main index variable. Data capture is key to GIS, and the little FZ-M1 is an invaluable tool to use.
• Enterprise and government deployment Engineered and built so that it can be easily integrated into existing IT infrastructure which not only saves time and resources but also extends lifecycle management and lowers ownership costs. It offers an extremely high degree of reliability and is durable, which increases productivity and ROI.

Catering for Android users, the powerful lightweight, fully rugged 10.1-inch Toughpad FZ-A2 offers users access to continued efficiency and productivity. Part of the enterprise-class stable of Panasonic mobile tablets, it utilizes the Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow operating system and boasts all the same MIL-STD-810G certifications as the Microsoft dependent devices. Many other features are identical too.

Unique Features

Ideal for service professionals operating in the field, the Toughpad FZ-A2 operates with an Intel Atom x5-Z8550 processor at 1.44 GHz up to 2.4 GHz and using 2 MB cache. It’s been through the gamut of tests required by MIL-STD-810G and will resist five-foot drops and extremely harsh weather and environmental conditions. It has also passed the IP65 water resistance and dust tests, so it really is good to go anywhere.

Built for durability, this rugged tablet is built for both indoor and outdoor use. Like several other Toughpads, it is a fanless design and features a capacitive ten-finger multi-touchscreen. Having passed the military grade tests, it is shock resistant and can be taken into extreme environments and even explosive atmospheres.

The standard battery is good for about nine hours and is hot swap capable using a bridge battery. There are also loads of optional features that help to take it to a top level of mobility.

Benefits

Weighing in at 1.94 lbs, the FZ-A2 is relatively thin measuring 10.71 x 7.72 inches x 0.65 inches. It has a magnesium-alloy chassis with corner guards for extra strength as well as port guards. There is also a replaceable screen film to protect the super-bright LCD. It is one of the best solutions there is for mobile field workers who want the Android option. Benefits include:

• Versatility There are three configurations, all integrated, that users can select, and a number of optional features that have been designed to meet different user needs.
• Leading Android technology Tough, light, and dependable, the FZ-A2 meets the most stringent certifications to ensure durability in all conditions. Whether it’s freezing cold, hot and dusty, or you’re on a bumpy ride, your data will be safe and secure.
• Reliable connectivity Offering greater performance hours per shift, this device provides mobile workers with reliable connectivity wherever they are. Whether you need to access data or process documents while working in the field, the FZ-A2 has got you covered.

Ideal User Profile

The Toughpad FZ-A2 is designed for use by any industries that require a tough device that will cope in either challenging indoor or tough outdoor environments, and it’s aimed at professionals. These include:

• Industrial and factory floor drivers Whether driving on-road trucks or forklifts in a factory environment, drivers need a device that will cope with vibrations. The FZ-A2 may be supplied with optional vehicle or forklift mounts or used as a handheld device for deliveries
• Warehouse and kiosk distribution The optional integrated barcode reader and SmartCard reader make this device an ideal choice for most distribution applications because they add efficiency and security.
• Service professionals The versatile design of this full rugged tablet makes it suitable for a wide range of service professionals, particularly those who work in the field and need a lightweight, hardworking device that defies all weather conditions.
• Home health professionals When professionals need to comply with HIPAA requirements for data and privacy this is a really good option.

Energy-efficient, portable, fast, efficient, and resilient, the fully rugged ToughPad FZ-B2 is a best seller. Originally released in 2014, nearly two years before the hugely popular Android FZ-A2, the 7-inch tablet was substantially upgraded a year later and now has the same Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow operating system and Intel Atom x5-Z8550 CPU as the 10.1-inch A2. It weighs less (1.2 lbs vs 1.9 lbs) and has half the memory (2 GB), but all the other features are basically the same. Because it is lighter, not as big, and has a smaller memory capacity, Panasonic recommends it for all industry sectors that use “light” applications.

Unique Features

The FZ-B2 was designed primarily for those in the business sector who needed to replace ageing personal digital assistants (PDAs) used as a personal organizer and for email and Internet access. Not only will the FZ-B2 fulfil the PDA function, it offers a lot more scope, boasting an enterprise-grade CPU that will boost productivity whatever the weather or environmental conditions.

A MIL-STD-810G design that has been tested for five-foot drops, shock, vibration, sand and dust ingress, rain, altitude, high and low temperatures as well as freeze and thaw, and even explosive atmospheres, it is also an IP65 certified design that is fanless and good for all weather conditions.

Affordable, and pocket-sized, it is a great option for any type field work.

Built for durability, this rugged tablet is built for both indoor and outdoor use. Like several other Toughpads, it is a fanless design and features a capacitive ten-finger multi-touchscreen. Having passed the military grade tests, it is shock resistant and can be taken into extreme environments and even explosive atmospheres.

Benefits

Catering to the needs of Android users in the field, the fully rugged 7-inch Toughpad FZ-B2 is an efficient mobile device that encourages productivity. It weighs just 1.2 lbs, measures 7.98 x 5.2 inches and is 0.71 inches thick. It has a typical Toughpad magnesium-alloy chassis with corner guards for extra strength, a raised bezel, and port covers. It has the standard pre-installed replaceable screen film to protect the LCD. Benefits include:

• Leading Android technology Designed for durability in the toughest conditions, the FZ-B2 boasts a rugged, sealed design you can trust, combining powerful Android Marshmallow software with Panasonic utilities.
• Reliable battery power The device is supplied with a standard battery that will keep operating for eight hours, with two-and-a-half hours off, four hours on battery charging time. This is sufficient for single-shift workers, but for those who need more there is an optional long-life battery that keeps going for 16 hours. Additionally, the optional hot-swap bridge battery time is only about 60 seconds.
• Superior connectivity options Boasting reliable security options for both authentication and encryption, the device offers Wi-Fi with GPS, as well as Bluetooth, and optional 4G LTE mobile broadband with satellite GPS.

Ideal User Profile

The Toughpad FZ-B2 is meant for field-based workers who need a pocket-sized device that will cope with the worst possible conditions. For use by any industries that require a tough device that will cope in either challenging indoor or tough outdoor environments, it’s aimed at professionals. These include:

• Construction industry Construction workers work hard and dirty and need a mobile device they can depend on. The rugged design of the FZ-B2 is ideal in this rough and ready environment.
• Manufacturing industries Whether handling heavy metals, chemicals, foodstuffs, or pharmaceuticals, workers in manufacturing industries need a mobile advice they can rely upon without worrying about the environment. This rugged tablet will withstand all the risks associated with production and cleaning.
• Distribution and inspections The optional integrated barcode reader and SmartCard reader makes the FZ-B2 a good choice for many distribution applications. The size and capacity of the device make it ideal for inspections on the move.
• Law enforcement Police officials have to be ready anywhere, anytime, and often in extreme circumstances and this tablet can be operation-ready at all times.

The ultra-rugged Toughpad FZ-X1 is as tough as nails and as rugged as they come. Launched as the world’s most rugged 5-inch handheld mobile device, it combines the toughness required by the military with enterprise-class computing power. It offers voice connectivity and battery life that promises as much as 14 hours of continuous data access time. When the going gets really tough, this is the pocket-sized mobile device of choice.

Unique Features

Packed with rugged power, the FZ-X1 has a built-in wow factor! For instance, it’ll withstand 30 minutes immersed in up to five foot of water, and survive drops onto solid concrete up to and including 10 feet. You can take it anywhere, it’s the ultimate Toughpad survivor, and it won't sacrifice its business-level performance for anything.   

The CPU is the superior Qualcomm APQ8064T 1.7 GHz Quad-core and it utilizes the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop operating system. Weighing in at less than a pound, it will continue operating successfully in an impressive temperature range – from a chilling -4 °F to a searing 140 °F.

Nicknamed a phablet, it boasts numerous certifications that really do give it the edge. These include 21 MIL-STD-810G tests that include longer drops than usual as well as the usual rain, altitude, dust and sand, temperature extremes, thermal shock, explosive atmosphere, and vibration tests. It is also certified according to the ingress protection code, IP68 that determines exactly what level of resistance devices have to solid objects, liquids, and particulates like dust and fine sand. It has also been certified in terms of the ANSI Hazardous Locations specification, and ISO’s Environmental Management System standards.

Benefits

The rugged, handheld FZ-X1 tablet is really a smartphone with a difference – a BIG difference! Try dropping a smartphone just one foot, never mind 10, or chucking it into a swimming pool. It won't survive. This Toughpad has a super-rugged housing which is what keeps it safe and sound. This makes it a lot bulkier and considerably heavier than the average smartphone, and it’s also a more costly option. But the benefits for its user-base are huge. They include:

• Enterprise features that work in shocking conditions Tougher than tough, this phablet can be used anywhere inside or out, and neither environmental nor weather conditions will affect its promised high performance.
• Improved efficiency in the workplace The FZ-X1 can be used to shorten time spent doing inventory and improve the efficiency of this type of work. Not only does its optional 1D/2D barcode reader enable the high accuracy of scanning, it can also be used as a terminal device with SAP’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. Additionally, it can be expanded for further business needs.
• Long battery life The FZ-X1 shines when it comes to battery power, with the world’s longest battery life any handheld tablet can offer. The battery will last for 14 hours of constant use and will charge to 50 percent in only an hour. It is also hot-swappable between half to two minutes with a bridge battery.
• Superior 5-inch display The high definition screen boasts 1280 x 720 pixel resolution and it comes pretreated for reflection and glare, making it easy to view even in bright sunlight.

Ideal User Profile

The Toughpad FZ-X1 was designed with the full range of mobile workers in mind. They include:

• First Responders It is an ideal option for those working in emergency medical and other public safety operations. Apart from all its other features, the highly accurate GPS helps first responders pin-point locations accurately.
• Police and Military It is a reliable option for those in the police force or defense whether doing standard patrols, responding to callouts, or going into battle. It has what it takes to survive all kinds of shocks.  
• Transportation and logistics The FZ-X1 will keep moving safely whatever knocks and vibrations are forthcoming.
• Postal service workers While not a dangerous job, postal workers are exposed to all kinds of conditions, both indoors in sorting rooms, and outdoors fulfilling deliveries and other tasks. An advantage is having a device that enables them to access data and make calls.
• Utilities and construction This is an ideal option for workers who need the best of both worlds – an ultra-rugged mobile device that keeps going when the going gets tough, and a device they can use for phone calls.
• Retail and manufacturing This little tablet enables those in the manufacturing and retail sectors to go the extra mile.

The fully rugged handheld FZ-N1 is a cutting-edge three-in-one device that incorporates a tablet, smartphone, and integrated barcode reader to increase productivity. It caters to mobile workers needing a well-designed barcode reader that will work seamlessly with their mobile device. It doesn’t just help mobile workers get the job done, the angled rear design of the scanner is in response to medical problems suffered by many transport and logistics employees. The device has also been designed and built to withstand unrelenting weather and other environmental conditions.

Unique Features

Qualifying as one of the world’s thinnest, lightest handheld tablets, the innovative FZ-N1 has a 4.7-inch screen and it weighs a minimal 0.61 lbs. The tablet measures 2.9 x 6.1 inches and is only 0.6 inches thick, though the barcode reader section is 1.2 inches, which is double the thickness. 

The CPU is an industry-leading Qualcomm MSM8974AB 2.3 GHz Quad-core processor that utilizes the Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow operating system. This makes it possible to develop an open environment that has the capacity to incorporate thousands of enterprise-grade applications, both Android and produced by Panasonic partners.

A Panasonic research study in the UK showed that the cause of more than half repetitive strain injuries, and more than 60 percent of arm and wrist aches and pains were caused by badly designed mobile barcode readers. So the company designed an ergonomic, angled machine that is efficient and easy to use. By combining it with a fully rugged, cutting-edge tablet with a smartphone built in, Panasonic has produced a world winner for transportation and logistics.

Benefits

Everything about the FZ-N1 is cutting edge and in line with what contemporary industries need and want. In spite of its size, the device is both powerful and flexible, and it is a great option geared to increase productivity and efficiency, and ultimately improve the bottom line. Benefits include:

• Angled barcode reader This is the key feature. Designed ergonomically, it allows users to scan goods without unnecessary bending of elbow and wrists.
• Fully rugged outdoor functionality Designed to do what transportation and logistics workers need to be done, the FZ-N1 has been through the gamut of ultra-tough testing including the tough MIL-STD-810G tests. It is an IP65 and IP67 sealed design for all weather conditions and is drop resistant to six foot. Additionally, it has been tumble tested for 1,000 tumbles to 3.3 foot at 5 rpm. It can also be submerged in water and will run in extremely hot and cold conditions.
• Superior connectivity and battery With a standard battery life of eight hours that allows 24-hours talk time, the FZ-N1 may be upgraded to 16 hours (with 1,400 standby hours), and a talk time that equals 48 hours. Wireless options cover all bases including 4G LTE, dual SIM, Bluetooth, GPS 2 m, and near field communication (NFC).
• Versatile optional accessories Various device cradles, a vehicle dock, hand strap, stylus and battery options can be used with the FZ-N1.  

Ideal User Profile

The key feature of the fully rugged FZ-N1 is a 1D/2D barcode reader. It was designed to meet the growing needs of mobile workers in the transportation and logistics industry. Potential users come from a number of related industries including:

• Transportation and logistics Representing the initial target market of this device, the transportation and logistics industry can only get healthier.
• Postal and courier services What better than a tablet that doubles as a phone and barcode reader? The postal and courier services industry will certainly benefit.
• Retail and manufacturing Whether mobile or working on site, those in retail and manufacturing can certainly make use of all the features offered by the fully rugged FZ-N1.
• Law enforcement and passport control Where identity and other documents feature barcodes, the FZ-N1 is an invaluable scrutiny tool.

The ultra-rugged Toughpad FZ-E1 is as rugged as the FZ-X1, but it is built on the foundation of the Windows-embedded 10 loT Mobile Enterprise operating system. Like the FZ-X1 it boasts military-grade toughness together with enterprise-class computing power. Like the X1, the E1 is technically a tablet, but it doubles as a smartphone. The batteries will work for around 14 hours on a single charge, and this can be swapped out using a bridge battery in as little as 30 seconds to just two minutes.

Unique Features

Like the X1, the FZ-E1 copes with the most demanding environments in terms of weather and conditions. It will survive under water for a good half an hour and will survive hefty 10-foot drops onto the hardest of surfaces. You can be sure that wherever your job takes you, the E1 will keep doing what it was built to do. However hot, cold, windy, dusty, or just plain miserable it is, you can ensure it will be business as usual.

The CPU is also Qualcomm, but the MSM8974AB 2.3 GHz Quad-core processor. Like the FZ-X1 so-called phablet, the FZ-E1 has been tested for exactly the same certifications including IP68, ANSI Hazardous Locations specification, the ISO Environmental Management System standards, and extreme 21 MIL-STD-810G tests for the range of shocks, temperatures, and the hefty 10-foot drop.

Benefits

The seriously rugged, handheld FZ-E1 phablet-smartphone-tablet will survive just about everything. Protected by the same super-rugged housing as the X1, it also weighs in at 0.9 lbs and will work the way it should between -4 °F to 140 °F. Benefits are essentially the same, including:

• The ability to work in all conditions All-weather, dust- and water-resistant really doesn’t describe this Toughpad well enough. Whether you are forced to work in a dust storm, in freezing conditions, or in a hazardous location, you’re assured you’ll be able to get the job done.
• Efficient enterprise-features Don’t imagine for a second that extreme conditions are going to slow this tablet down. Wherever it is its enterprise-class features will ensure it continues to run at speed and maintains its high reliability.
• Long battery life It doesn’t get better than this. The battery will last for 14 hours of constant use. It has a standby capacity of up to 1,000 hours, with talk up to 24 hours, and optional barcode up to 20½ hours. It takes only 60 minutes to recharge it to about 50 percent, and if you use a bridge battery you can swap out in between half a minute to two minutes.
• Superior multi-touch display The high definition, glove-enabled, multi-touch, daylight-readable display has a 1,280 x 720 pixel resolution. It has a rain-sensing touch mode and has undergone both anti-reflective and anti-glare screen treatments.

Ideal User Profile

The Toughpad FZ-E1 was designed for every possible mobile worker. They include:

• First Responders Ideal for emergency personnel, firefighters, and other first responders, it boasts a high-accuracy GPS function and can be configured for specific projects.
• Police and defense These are tough jobs that need ultra-rugged, tough-tested mobile devices for mission-critical situations. If a pocket-sized tablet with built-in voice connectivity is required, the FZ-E1 will do the job.
• Transportation and logistics Jobs that keep employees on the road come with special challenges. This Toughpad can help drivers reduce fuel costs and stay safely on track. When conditions get tough, there is no danger of losing communications links.
• Utilities and telecommunications The challenges faced by those involved in utility and telecommunications operations range from bad weather conditions to real-time communications needs, access to centralized data, and tight schedules. The FZ-E1 was designed to meet these challenges.
• Field applications Whether you are working in aviation, construction, or the public sector, field work requires a special kind of device to keep you connected. This is particularly important when there is a real likelihood of exposure to extremely challenging conditions and ever-changing environments.

Like the fully rugged FZ-N1, the ToughPad FZ-F1 is an all-in-one handheld device incorporating a tablet, smartphone, and integrated barcode reader. It caters to a range of mobile workers who need an ergonomically designed barcode reader. The fact that it is part of a tablet and smartphone device is a bonus that can work in terms of productivity and ROI. Like all other Panasonic Toughpads, it has been designed to tolerate extreme conditions that would likely destroy most other devices.

Unique Features

Amazingly thin and light, the FZ-N1 weighs about 0.62 lbs and measures 2.9 x 6.1 inches. The tablet, which has a 4.7-inch screen, is only 0.6 inches thick, though the barcode reader section is thicker at 1.2 inches. Like the F1, the N1 is driven by a Qualcomm MSM8974AB 2.3 GHz Quad-core processor. But instead of the Android operating system, it works with Windows 10 loT Mobile Enterprise software.

This Toughpad has a bunch of unique features that it shares only with the FZ-N1 Android version. Top of the list is the angled barcode reader that is found at the rear of the machine. This effectively protects users from the kinds of stresses and strains that have hounded those scanning barcodes for decades. It also features an optional active/passive stylus that can be used for signatures and to write on documents.

The fully rugged design is verified by its MIL-STD-810G certification as well as its IP65 and IP67 ratings, and drop resistance to six foot. A rough tumble-test shows it can resist 1,000 tumbles at 5 rpm to a depth of 3.3 feet. This adds to an expectation that it will have a very low total cost of ownership (TCO).

Benefits

Small, slim, and powerful, the FZ-F1 has been designed to make the lives of a multitude of mobile workers a whole lot easier. It is also a flexible machine, though the fact that it has a built-in barcode reader does define usefulness to a large degree. Key benefits include:

• Angled barcode reader The integrated 1D/2D ergonomic barcode reader allows workers to scan items without the risk of injury.
• Superior battery life and connectivity The device comes with a standard battery life that will work for eight hours and allows 24-hours talk time. It may though be upgraded to 16 hours (with 1,400 standby hours), and a talk time that equals 48 hours. Like the FZ-N1, wireless options cover all bases including 4G LTE, dual SIM, Bluetooth, GPS 2 m, and near field communication (NFC).
• Enterprise-grade security features The Toughpad FZ-F1 is FIPS140-2 level-1 compliant. It is also supplied with ARM TrustZone built in.  

Ideal User Profile

Clearly, the key feature of the fully rugged windows-powered FZ-F1 is its 1D/2D barcode reader. Designed to meet the growing needs of mobile workers in the transportation and logistics industry, it is suitable for those in other industries that also need to utilize barcode readers.

• Transportation and logistics Scanning barcodes is one of the daily repetitive tasks that those in this industry have to complete. The ergonomic design of the barcode reader incorporated in the FZ-F1 gives it tremendous traction in the transportation and logistics industry.
• Postal and courier services Anyone in this industry who works with barcodes will find that this is an invaluable tool.
• Retail and manufacturing Mobile workers in the retail and manufacturing industries will find that the FZ-F1 keeps them connected to the people they work with and gives them instant access to the data they require. The cherry on the top is the barcode reader.

How To Discover The Toughpad That is Right For You

If you are still trying to figure out which Toughpad will work best for you, give the experts at Mooring Tech a call. As an authorized Panasonic dealer, BuyTough carries all the latest models in stock. We service a wide range of industries that require specialized mobile devices including:

• Military
• Emergency and public safety
• Healthcare
• Field services
• Postal services
• Government
• Construction
• Warehouses and industry
• Manufacturing
• Retail and sales
• Utilities

Our extensive industry and technical experience give us the ability to help you find the perfect fully rugged, ultra-rugged, or semi-rugged tablet for your specific needs and budget. With our massive selection of parts and accessories, you can customize your chosen tougher-than-tough tablet to your unique specifications in just one call.

Call Today for Expert Help with your Panasonic Toughpad Solution

To get more info on the latest Toughpad models from a friendly, Panasonic-authorized expert, call 1-877-532-8088 now or request more information online. We look forward to serving you and meeting your needs!