Oct 29, 2014

Panasonic Announces Rugged 7" Toughpad FZ-B2 Android Tablet

Panasonic today 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 enterprise features; 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.

Panasonic Toughpad FZ-B2

With its fully rugged, MIL-STD-810G sealed IP65 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 Specs

Fully-rugged	Tested to meet MIL-STD-810G specifications for drops (up to 5 feet), shock, vibration, altitude, humidity and extreme temperatures. IP65 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 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) 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 wireless broadband with satellite GPS
Available Configuration Options	Barcode reader, Ethernet, half-insertable SmartCard reader, Magnetic Stripe reader
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.