Tag Archives: computing

Mobile Tech, News

Panasonic Introduces the Ultimate Rugged Notebook: The TOUGHBOOK 40

Designed for Defence and ideal for Police and Utilities this high performance 14 inch notebook takes rugged computing to another level with the flexibility to meet mission critical operations and every day challenges.

BRACKNELL, UK. 24th May 2022 – Panasonic today introduced the ultimate 14-inch rugged notebook designed for Defence and ideal for Police and Utilities. Taking rugged computing to another level, the TOUGHBOOK 40 has a modular design that allows mobile workers to modify the device quickly and easily for different challenges by equipping 7 expansion areas. The powerful new all black model is built for use in the most extreme conditions, with military-grade security and communications capabilities to support mission critical operations.

Flexible device management

The TOUGHBOOK 40 notebook is the perfect field companion adaptable to any task. As well as user replaceable battery, RAM and SSD, the device also has four other expansion areas for smartcard and fingerprint readers, including a multi-user authentication for when the notebook is being used by a team. The expansion areas can also be used for a second SSD, DVD and Blu-ray Drives and configurable ports (VGA, True Serial, USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A, and a second HDMI or native GLAN).

The device is designed for Defence, including operational use on foot and in vehicle, as well as for vehicle diagnostics and maintenance and for training. For Police and border control the device is ideal for operational service, such as routing, numberplate or suspect identification. In the Automotive and Agricultural sectors, it’s the perfect tool for technicians running diagnostics and repairs on trucks or large machinery at the roadside or in the field. In the Utilities sector, engineers can use the TOUGHBOOK 40 notebook for inspections of pipelines, solar panels and power stations and for maintenance programs.

Performance to meet extreme challenges

This high-performance device can meet the computing needs of any user. The Windows 11 Secured-core PC is equipped with an Intel® Core™ i5-1145G7 vPro® processor (Intel® Core™ i7 vPro® processor optional), 16GB RAM (up to 64GB optional), and a quick release 512GB NVMe OPAL SSD as standard (up to 2TB optional). The TOUGHBOOK 40 notebook is also designed for use with quick release NATO approved VIASAT self-encrypting secure drives, MIL connectors and docking stations. To immediately kill light and electronic transmissions when on operations, it also has a one touch Concealed Mode function.

The high brightness, Full HD touchscreen ensures perfect viewing clarity at night and in the brightest sunlight. For easy use in any conditions, the touchscreen auto-detects between pen, finger, gloved or wet hand and automatically switches to the most appropriate mode. The newly designed Touchpad provides two physical mouse buttons and works with gloves and rain functionality and two-finger operation to allow users to undertake the most complex tasks in the field.

Battery life is designed to support mission critical operation with approximately 18 hours from one battery and 36 hours from two, with hot swap capabilities meaning the device remains fully operational when batteries are switched.

Built to communicate

The TOUGHBOOK 40 notebook has all the latest communications capabilities required on operations, including options for eSIM to switch mobile carriers without changing sims and LTE, as well as 5G options this summer. It is designed for use with all the major GPS navigation systems and offers WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1. To ensure effective communications in the field, the Waves MaxxAudio® Stereo Speakers emphasises the human voice to ensure smooth conversations even in noisy environments. The new Quad array microphone with AI noise reduction also removes ambient noise from the microphone input.

The most rugged

The TOUGHBOOK 40 notebook takes rugged to another level with IP66 resistance to dust and water, meeting military standard (MIL-STD810H) for temperature, humidity and vibration and is 26-side drop tested from 180cm*.

“From the soldier on operations and the police officer in the car to the technicians at roadside and the engineers in the field, the new TOUGHBOOK 40 takes rugged computing to a new level with its adaptability for different tasks, computing power, communications and security,” said Dirk Weigelt, European Product Manager at Panasonic Mobile Solutions Business. “With its incredible capability to be tailored for tasks, we expect the TOUGHBOOK 40 to become the de facto rugged device for these specialist operators.”

* Tested by an independent third party lab.

Business, Flexible Working

Empty Flintshire site transformed into revolutionary business centre in pandemic

A RUNDOWN building is being transformed into a revolutionary Covid business centre by the team behind a leading marketing and IT company.

NorthWales Media has been renovating an empty former supermarket site on Church Street in Flint.

The firm, based on the town’s Market Square, has invested £200,000 and plans to unveil services including a recording studio, board room, games area, makeover space, a sensory perception suite, ‘Zoom Rooms’ for video conferencing and IT, exhibition and hot desk facilities.

With a focus on safety and security in light of the Coronavirus pandemic – and providing visitors with a carbon neutral environment – director Phill John has a sustainable vision for the iconic site.

“This building has a lot of history and had many different uses over the years, but it has been neglected for a long time,” he said.

“It’s one of the first things you see when you drive into Flint and also off the train, so utilising it in a positive way will have a big impact on the area.”

Phill added: “Covid-19 delayed our proposals, but work is well underway, and I’m delighted with how well the idea has been received.

“Virtual platforms and technology have been vital over the last year – and will continue to be – but people do still want human interaction and contact, for their mental health especially.

“By providing a happy, fun and safe environment to do business and network with other organisations, we can deliver that.”

Raised in Blaenau Ffestiniog, Phill is a former marine design engineer who launched NorthWales Media in 2008.

Primarily a retail and computer programming venture, the company is now an IT and marketing managed service provider and employs 14 people, with many more in the local supply chain.

He wants to expand and increase the workforce to 20 staff by the end of 2022 and is inclusive and selective as to who enters the fold.

“As someone with dyslexia I’ve faced challenges and am fully aware of the obstacles and barriers people face every day,” said Phill.

“We employ several people with disabilities and are a diverse group, which is the way it should be.

“Our ethos is to be there for people, including the clients we have in a variety of sectors, in the heart of a community deserving of support and investment.”

He added: “It does buck the trend, opening a business centre while many corporations close their doors and remote working is on the increase, but there is a need for balance.

“We will provide that by offering hot desks and meeting and conference facilities with social distancing in place until restrictions ease and we return to normality, whatever form that takes in the years ahead.

“There will also be virtual tours in advance of opening so people can see for themselves what is on offer.

“And it will be accessible for all at a low cost so charitable organisations as well as businesses can be a part of it.

“Ultimately, we want to bring a smile to people’s faces and join forces in recovering from this difficult and unprecedented year – and we want to do that together.”

For more news and information from NorthWales Media, visit www.northwalesmedia.co.uk