Panasonic announces new rugged Android tablet
Panasonic has made a new addition to its Android line-up with the Toughbook A3, a fully-rugged 10.1 inch tablet.
The device has a nine-hour battery life of nine hours with standard batteries and 15 hours using the optional large battery with dual battery capability.
Available in Australia from August 2020, the A3 is designed for use and viewing in all light and weather conditions and includes a range of configurable port options.
It is also in the process of obtaining approval as an Android Enterprise Recommended (AER) device, to meet Google's strict enterprise requirements for hardware and software.
"A successor to the popular Toughbook A2, this latest device is more rugged, powerful and able to work even longer in the field than its predecessor," says Panasonic Australia mobility solutions Oceania senior product and marketing manager Ranjit Sohoni.
"The Toughbook A3 is ready-made for mobile workers in warehouses and using forklifts; field service agents and automotive workers needing devices for diagnostics, data management and operational controls; and emergency services personnel requiring a secure and effective mobile computing solution.
The offering includes the ability to pair with existing Android systems.
A Panasonic statement says that the company expects this to be particularly welcomed by the country's emergency services and transport teams, given the unprecedented demand of their services in the past 12 months due to natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The device is IP65 water and dust resistant and drop tested to 1.5 metres (MIL-STD-810H Certified).
Using the Android 9.0 (Pie) operating system, the device is powered by the latest long-term-support Qualcomm 2.2Hz Octa-Core SDM660 CPU with 4GB memory and an increased 64GB eMMC storage.
The 10.1 inch outside viewable display (1920x1200) has a 10-point capacitive touchscreen display to function when used by hand, gloved hand or with the capacitive stylus pen for accurate annotation or signature collection, even in the rain.
It also includes a front camera and microphone for video conferencing and a back camera with flash for document and image capture.
The tablet comes with a set of business interfaces including USB Type-C (USB 3.0) and USB Type-A (USB 2.0).
Three different customisable gadget port options in five different combinations allow the device to be tailored to business requirements, including an optional smartcard reader, barcode reader or an additional USB Type-A (USB 2.0).
The A3 can be used with a vehicle dock and it includes Bluetooth 5.0 and supports WLAN IEEE802.11a/b/g/n/ac/d/h/i/r/k/v/w with MIMO functionality.
The tablet offers Android OS enterprise-grade security, and enterprise mobility management for central deployment and management.
The A3 comes with a range of accessories – including docking stations, extended life batteries and carrying solutions – and a standard three-year warranty and will be available from August 2020 starting at $2999.
