It combines Intel Atom technology and Google Android 6.x for Work productivity with full ruggedisation and is suited to a range of mobile users: servicing; repair; technical support teams; local, state and federal governments; utility and infrastructure providers; logistics and transport; healthcare providers; and retailers.

Stuart Buxton, senior product manager, Toughbook, Panasonic, said, “Increasingly workers are working outside traditional office environments to get closer to their customers. This trend is empowering staff, but they need the right technology to suit their work environment.

“Consumer tablets used in the workplace are prone to operational failure, which can cause businesses thousands of dollars in downtime, disruption and repair. The FZ-A2 draws on Panasonic’s 20-year expertise in manufacturing fit-for-purpose rugged devices. By launching the new Toughpad, we’re helping a wide range of organisations who haven’t traditionally used fully rugged devices to boost productivity, minimise downtime, slash field failure rates and reduce total cost of ownership.,” he added.

The 10.1” daylight-readable tablet has an Intel Atom x5, 2.4GHz turbo processor, 4GB RAM, 32GB eMMC, microSD card support, Wi-Fi AC dual band, Bluetooth 4.3, and USB-C 3.1/OTG. A configuration/expansion port takes smartcard readers, barcode readers, LAN, vehicle dock, etc. It is all housed in an IPX5 water and IPX6 dust resistant, 120cm drop resistant, MIL-STD-810G, mag/alloy 880g package measuring 272 mm (W) x 196 mm (H) x 16mm (D).

The 1920 x 1200 screen has been optimised for daylight reading (800cd/m2) and can be used by hand, with gloves or with the capacitive stylus pen for accurate annotation or signature collection even in the rain. The 8MP rear camera has autofocus and a LED light. It can be ordered with LTE and GPS.

Prices range from around $2200 to $2500 plus options depending on configuration from Toughbook dealers.