Panasonic Introduces Powerful And Flexible Rugged 7-inch Android Tablet

Toughpad FZ-B2 enables affordable professional-grade productivity in the field  

Panasonic, an industry leader in reliable and innovative mobile computers since 1996, recently announced the launch of the Toughpad FZ-B2, a rugged 7-inch tablet powered by Android for field-based workforces. With durability, power and a range of configurability options— at a price within reach of any business — the Toughpad FZ-B2 is an ideal tool for field service, inspections, reporting, or as an upgrade from clipboards and pen-and-paper processes.

Running the Android 4.4 operating system and powered by a Quad-core Intel Celeron Processor, the Toughpad FZ-B2 offers exclusive features not available on any consumer-grade tablet. These include enhanced enterprisefeatures; a quick-charging, user-replaceable full-shift battery with optional bridge battery and high-capacity battery; a 5-point capacitive multi-touch screen that works even when the user is wearing gloves, as well as with a fine tip stylus pen; and a wide range of configuration options to allow organizations to customize the ideal tool for their workforces.

With its fully rugged, MIL-STD-810G sealed IP65*1 dust and water-resistant design, the thin and lightweight Toughpad FZ-B2 is built for long-lasting durability even when regularly used in harsh environments. Like Panasonic’s entire range of enterprise-grade mobile computers, it is designed for longer life cycle management and for smooth deployments and ongoing support, providing a lower total cost of ownership.

“Android tablets are becoming an increasingly attractive option in the enterprise, particularly for small and mid-sized businesses. However, many of the tablets available on the market today are simply too unreliable and flimsy for businesses looking for a smart, dependable long-term investment,” said Dan Diliberti, senior product development – tablet and payment systems, Panasonic System Communications Company of North America. “The Toughpad FZ-B2 is built to many of the same specifications as our best-selling 7-inch Windows-powered Toughpad FZ-M1 tablet, assuring customers they can take advantage of the benefits of the Android platform without sacrificing on durability and enterprise-grade features.” 

Toughpad FZ-B2: Key Specifications

• Fully-rugged: Tested to meet MIL-STD-810G specifications for drops (up to 5 feet^*1), shock, vibration, altitude, humidity and extreme temperatures. IP65^*1 fully sealed fanless design
• Portability: 1.2 lbs., 0.71” thin (standard configuration)
• Display: 7-inch daylight-readable, anti-reflective WXGA (1280x800) LCD with extremely wide viewing angles and strengthened glass
• Processor: Intel Celeron N2930 Processor (2 MB Cache, Quad-core 1.83 GHz up to 2.16 GHz)
• Operating System: Android 4.4
• Storage and Memory: Market-leading 2GB RAM and 32GB eMMC storage
• Battery: Approx. 7 hours^*2 operating time (user-replaceable), charging to full capacity in approx. 2.5 hours when powered off. Optional bridge battery, enabling users to switch out batteries without powering down the device, and optional high capacity battery (14 hours^*2) available
• Input: 5-point capacitive glove-enabled multi-touch screen that works with a stylus pen
• Camera: 5MP rear camera with auto focus and LED light; 720P built-in front camera with dual mics
• Connectivity: Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC7260 Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth v4.0 (Class 1), USB 3.0, micro SDHC card slot, docking connector, and optional dual high-gain antenna pass-through. The Toughpad FZ-B2 offers optional 4G LTE multi-carrier embedded wireless broadband with satellite GPS
• Available Configuration Options: Barcode reader, Ethernet^*3, half-insertable SmartCard reader, Magnetic Stripe reader^*3
• Warranty: The Toughpad FZ-B2 is backed by the industry's most comprehensive 3-year warranty and U.S.-based customer support

Accessories
The Toughpad FZ-B2 is compatible with a variety of accessories available now for the Toughpad FZ-M1 tablet, including hand and shoulder straps, holsters, vehicle and desktop cradle, cases, keyboards, charging solutions and mobile printers.

Pricing and Availability
The Toughpad FZ-B2 will be available February 2015 at a list price of $1,299. All Toughpad devices can be purchased through authorized Panasonic resellers.

^*1 Tested at Panasonic factory

^*2 Measured with LCD brightness:150 cd/m², Web browsing every 20 seconds through WLAN. Varies depending on the usage conditions, or when an optional device is attached.

^*3 Available in Q1 CY2015

Panasonic Solutions for Business
Panasonic delivers game-changing technology solutions that deliver a customized experience to drive better outcomes—for our customers and our customers’ customers. Panasonic engineers reliable products and solutions that help to create, capture and deliver data of all types, where, when and how it is needed. The complete suite of Panasonic professional solutions for government and commercial enterprises of all sizes addresses unified business communications, mobile computing, security and surveillance, retail point-of-sale, office productivity, visual communications (projectors, displays, digital signage) and HD video production. Panasonic solutions for business are delivered by Panasonic System Communications Company of North America, Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation.

About Panasonic Corporation of North America
Panasonic Corporation of North America provides a broad line of digital and other electronics products and solutions for consumer, business and industrial use.  The company is the principal North American subsidiary of Osaka, Japan-based Panasonic Corporation and the hub of Panasonic’s U.S. branding, marketing, sales, service and R&D operations.  In Interbrand’s 2014 annual “Best Global Green Brands” report, Panasonic ranked number five overall and the top electronics brand in the report. As part of continuing sustainability efforts, Panasonic Corporation of North America relocated its headquarters to a new facility, built to meet LEED certification standards, adjacent to Newark Penn Station in Newark, NJ.  For more information, visit www.panasonic.com.