CES 2013: Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1 Windows 8 Pro and JT-B1 Android tablets head out into the wild
Panasonic are launching two new tablets at CES 2013 for adventurous types in both Windows 8 and Android flavours.
Looking firstly at the Windows 8 model, Panasonic’s ToughPad FZ-G1 is a 10.1-inch tablet running Windows 8 Pro off an Intel Core i5 processor.
Configurations for 4 or 8GB of RAM or 128 or 256GB SSD storage are on offer, but the real draw here is the tablet’s durability. Achieving MIL-STD-810G and IP65 certification, the FZ-G1 is weather, water, dust and drop proof, making for one nearly indestructible tablet.
It’s display has a reasonably high definition of 1920 x 800, running at 800-nit brightness, with a battery said to be good for 8 hours of continuos use. That battery is also replaceable, meaning you’ll be able to swap it out on the go if you’re away from a power socket for prolonged periods.
Connections include USB, HDMI, Ethernet and microSD, as well as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and optional GPS and 3G/4G.
It’s a chunky, heavy machine though at 1.1kg and 269 x 187 x 19mm, but that comes with the territory of ruggedised gear.
Due out in March, prices start at $2899.
Moving on to the Android device, the Panasonic Toughpad JT-B1 is a 7-inch Android 4.0 tablet with the same tough casing as its Windows 8 counterpart.
A smaller display with a lower resolution, it runs at 1024 x 600 and producing 500 nit underneath a sheet of Corning Gorilla Glass 2, powered by a 1.5GHz dual-core OMAP4460 processor. 1GB of RAM is also included, with 16GB of storage space that can be supplemented by microSD cards.
On the rear you’ll find a 13MP camera, with a 1.3MP snapper up front. Connections and connectivity options include Micro-USB, GPS, Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth and optional 4G. Again, the battery pack is replaceable, while additional pro attachments including barcode and magstripe readers are available.
Launching a little earlier in February, it’s the cheaper of the two at $1199.
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