Panasonic announced today the Toughbook H2, the second version of its Windows-based mobile clinical assistant (MCA) tablet. The H2 improves upon its predecessor (the H1) in multiple ways: It features a a 10.1-inch touchscreen LCD display, stylus support, enhanced screen viewability, improved CPU, more storage capacity, 6.5 hour battery life, and USB ports -- all in a relatively compact 3.5 pound device.
The H2 was created with healthcare environments in mind, and various features reflect that consideration. The device makes use of a fanless design, sealed buttons, and no exposed ports. Panasonic says this reduces pathogen transmission and allows for easy disinfection. (A Cleaning Reminder Tool application can be set to remind users to wipe down the unit at defined intervals.)
An ergonomically molded hand strap enables workers to stand or carry the device for an entire shift. The device's display features a new TransflectivePlus technology which aims to increase legibility in direct sunlight or fluorescent hospital lighting. Other medical features include barcode medication administration (BCMA), vitals capture, and electronic medical records (EMR) capture and review. Security features for such sensitive data include a fingerprint reader and a contactless or insertable SmartCard reader for government common access cards (CACs).
Technical specs include an Intel Core i5-2557M vPro processor (1.7GHz with Turbo Boost up to 2.7GHz), 4GB RAM expandable to 8GB, and a 320GB 7200rpm hard drive (an optional 128GB solid state drive is also available). Two hot-swappable batteries feature a three hour recharge time, and the device also has barcode and RFID readers, camera and a GPS receiver. The magnesium alloy chassis can withstand six foot drops. all Wireless support includes WiFi, Bluetooth, and optional Gobi2000 3G mobile broadband technology from Qualcomm, Sprint and Verizon Wireless 3G networks and embedded support for 4G networks is expected to arrive later.
“Panasonic is committed to providing our customers the ultimate in performance, mobility and connectivity,” stated Kyp Walls, director of product management, Panasonic Solutions Company in a press release. “The Toughbook H2’s enhancements are designed to provide mission-critical workers with additional functionality and computing capabilities. The H2 maintains the same level of durability as the previous models and continues the H1’s industry-leading reliability of less than one percent annualized failure rate.”
All those features will cost you -- the Toughbook is priced starting at $3,449. Although maybe the cost is worth it: Last year a care facility in the UK claimed that using Panasonic Toughbooks saved it $900,000 annually.
Two years ago MobiHealthNews caught up with Panasonic to discuss MCAs and the iPad, which was very new at the time.
Check out the full H2 press release below.
PANASONIC INTRODUCES TOUGHBOOK® H2 – FASTER, MORE VERSATILE RUGGED HANDHELD TABLET COMPUTER
Next-generation device offers enhanced performance, capacity and outdoor viewability for mission-critical professionals
Secaucus, NJ, July 12, 2010 – Panasonic Solutions Company, provider of collaboration, information-sharing and decision-support solutions for government and commercial enterprises, today announced the Toughbook H2, a fully-rugged, ergonomic Windows® tablet PC. The device’s handheld design offers the right mix of mobility, performance and connectivity for field service workers, first responders, clinicians and other mission-critical professionals. This next-generation tablet includes an enhanced processor, increased RAM and hard drive capacity, I/O ports and a screen that delivers exceptional viewability in all lighting conditions through the use of Panasonic’s TransflectivePlus technology.
The Toughbook H2 is powered by an Intel® Core™ i5-2557M vPro™ processor (1.7GHz with Turbo Boost up to 2.7GHz) for faster speeds and enhanced device management. The device also comes standard with 4GB RAM, expandable to 8GB, and a 320GB 7200rpm hard drive, with an optional 128GB solid state drive available.
Starting at only 3.5 pounds, the H2 delivers 6.5 hours of battery life and includes fast charging twin hot-swappable batteries that allow for limitless use, virtually eliminating down time. Panasonic has also upgraded the desktop cradle to improve charge time to three hours.
“Panasonic is committed to providing our customers the ultimate in performance, mobility and connectivity,” said Kyp Walls, director of product management, Panasonic Solutions Company. “The Toughbook H2’s enhancements are designed to provide mission-critical workers with additional functionality and computing capabilities. The H2 maintains the same level of durability as the previous models and continues the H1’s industry-leading reliability of less than one percent annualized failure rate.”
Designed for the Truly Mobile Healthcare Worker
The Toughbook H2 offers exceptional ergonomics, including a molded hand strap, which allows workers to comfortably stand or carry the device for an entire shift. As a fully-rugged device, the Toughbook H2 is IP65 certified and MIL-STD-810G tested – with a six foot drop rating.
The Toughbook H2 does not require a fan, reducing the risk of potential contamination by pathogenic microorganisms. The H2 is also fully enclosed, with sealed buttons, tight seams and no exposed ports for easy cleaning. Optional screw hole covers are available.
The Panasonic designed Cleaning Reminder Tool software is available for the Toughbook H2; the software can be programmed to remind users to wipe down at defined intervals and automatically records cleanings.
Barcode medication administration (or BCMA) vitals capture along with electronic medical records (EMR) capture and review are all available through a secure and intuitive platform on the Toughbook H2.
The design of the Toughbook H2 helps to maximize workflow and ease clinical loads for doctors and nurses, allowing them to access patient records at the point of care and document a patient’s condition in real time.
The workflow advantages offered by the H2 can help healthcare organizations maximize efficiency, a critical issue as the industry faces an aging population, increased demand for healthcare services and a shortage of nurses.
Embedded Wireless Connectivity
The Toughbook H2 offers a variety of embedded wireless technologies, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth® and optional Gobi2000™ 3G mobile broadband technology from Qualcomm. The device is certified on the Sprint and Verizon Wireless 3G networks – with others to be announced later in the year – allowing workers to stay connected virtually all of the time. With certifications coming later this year, the Toughbook H2 will also offer embedded support for 4G networks.
Integrated Features to Maximize Productivity
The Toughbook H2 includes optional integrated features like barcode and RFID readers, camera and GPS receiver to enhance worker productivity and minimize the number of devices in the field. Additional accessories include carrying cases, shoulder straps, power adapters, charging cradles and a Toughbook-certified vehicle dock.
The Toughbook H2 includes multiple security features, including options for a fingerprint reader, contactless or insertable SmartCard reader for government common access cards (CACs), helping to ensure that critical data is kept secure.
Panasonic Toughbook H2: Select Features and Specifications
Genuine Windows 7® (32-bit or 64-bit)
Intel® Core™ i5-2557M vPro™ processor (1.7GHz)
4-8GB RAM
320GB (7200rpm) shock-mounted HHD or optional 128GB SSD
10.1” XGA sunlight-viewable dual touch LCD
TransflectivePlus technology (up to 6000 nit)
Circular polarizer with anti-glare and anti-reflective screen treatments
6.5 hour battery life
Twin hot-swappable batteries
3.5 lbs (with both batteries)
10.8” (L) x 10.6” (W) x 2.3” (H)
Fully-Rugged
MIL-STD-810G certified (6 foot drop)1
Magnesium alloy chassis – encased in polycarbonate
Sealed all-weather design
Embedded Connectivity
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Bluetooth® v2.1 + EDR (Class 1)
Optional 4G mobile broadband (Fall 2011)
Optional Gobi™2000 3G mobile broadband
Integrated Options
Global positioning system (GPS) receiver
Barcode reader
2MP auto-focus camera with LED light
RFID reader
Interfaces
True serial
USB (optional 2nd USB port – replaces ethernet)
Ethernet
Optional Security Features
Fingerprint reader
Contactless SmartCard reader
Insertable SmartCard reader – configurable for Common Access Card (CAC) use
Pricing and Availability
The Panasonic Toughbook H2 will be available worldwide in July 2011. In the United States, the base Toughbook H2 model is expected to be available at an estimated street price of $3,449 from authorized Panasonic resellers and distributors.
The Toughbook H2 is backed with a three-year limited warranty.
Toughbook H2 Images & Video
A video overview of the Toughbook H2 can be found on the Toughbook brand’s YouTube channel; images of the Toughbook H2 can be found on the brand’s Flickr page, and a post discussing the need for purpose-built devices can be found on the brand’s blog - Toughbloggers.com.
Follow the Toughbook Brand
The Panasonic Toughbook brand can be followed on various social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr and via our blog on mobile technology, Toughbloggers.com.
For more information on the Toughbook H2 and other Toughbook mobile computers, go to www.toughbook.com.
About Panasonic Solutions Company
Panasonic Solutions Company empowers people whose jobs depend on reliable technology. The company delivers collaboration, information-sharing and decision-support solutions for customers in government, healthcare, education and a wide variety of commercial enterprises. Products and services within the company’s portfolio include Panasonic Toughbook mobile computing solutions, projectors, professional displays (including both plasma and LCD), and HD and 3D video acquisition and production solutions. As a result of its commitment to R&D, manufacturing and quality control, Panasonic is known for the reliability and longevity of its products. Panasonic Solutions Company is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, which is the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC).
All brand and company/product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies. All specifications are subject to change without notice. Information on Panasonic Solutions Company’s full line of products can be obtained by calling 877-803-8492 or at www.panasonic.com/business-solutions.
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1 Tested by a national independent third party lab following MIL-STD-810G Method 516.6 Procedure IV for transit drop test
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