With the buzz around the recent launch of the iPad, 2010 has already been labelled the year of the tablet. Now Panasonic has joined the likes of HP, Dell and Apple in supporting this theory by unveiling its ToughBook C1 at HIMSS.
The announcement of the “world’s lightest convertible” at this year’s event wasn’t just coincidence. Panasonic has clearly set its sights on the healthcare industry as the C1’s target market. According to the manufacturer, the machine is specifically aimed at workers with a need for quick pen or touch input on forms.
The device - which is believed to go on sale in June - straddles the dividing line between touchscreen tablet and ultraportable laptop and is expected to cost $U.S.2,499. Its screen is 12.1 inches and pivots on a central post, but also locks. Battery life is 10 hours, battery packs are hot-swappable and the magnesium case can resist up to 225 pounds of pressure.
Microsoft's worldwide health senior director Bill Crounse blogged: “I must say that I was immediately impressed by the light weight of the unit. I also like the fact that this is a very powerful machine with an Intel Core i5 processor, Gobi2000™ mobile broadband, and multiple data input options including touch (you can even order an option for a screen that will work when your hands are gloved). It also comes with a hand-friendly strap on the back to keep it secure as you scurry from one patient to another.”