With the tough competition in the tablet market, Panasonic launched the Toughpad that could out-battle even the toughest environment in mobile computing.

The shock, water and dust proof Android tablet that runs on Honeycomb is believed to be the most durable among its competitors and dubbed by Panasonic as the fearless new business tablet where no tablet has gone before.

Durability and functionality has a price to pay though, as it initially retails at $1,299. But don't fret, in 2012 Toughpad A1 will joined by the Toughpad B1 Tablet with a 7-inch display, which is expected to be a little cheaper.

Let's take a closer look at this tough machine.

Rugged Feature

The Toughpad brags a magnesium alloy chassis providing superior strength and resistance to corrosion. The first among the tablet computes. Also, it is protected with elastomer bumpers to provide extreme durability and high performance in a solid-state.

Its LCD mounting protection for its multipart system ensures functionality to all components. A protective film was also placed to its LCD for added protection. Ports are also well covered for superior protection from dust and water.

A docking station is provided to withstand extreme vibrations in a moving vehicle, while accessories are designed to guard and endure extreme user environments.

The Toughpad A1 tablet passed the MIL-STD-810G tests. It has an ingress protection of IP65 rating ensuring reliability and increased productivity in a wider range of operating conditions. It passed the drop testing rate at the height of 4 feet.

It can withstand an operating temperature of 14°F to 122°F as compared to the Apple IPad 2 which only bear 32° F up to 95° F. It is designed to survive a wide swing in temperatures that can produce thermal shock. It can also operate on the maximum altitude of 15,000 feet.

The MIL-STD-810G is a Department of Defense Test Method Standard on Environmental Engineering Considerations and Laboratory Tests. IP65 is a test code that is referred to as the Ingress Protection Rating on mechanical casings and electronic enclosures. This code classifies and rates the degrees of protection a device offers against the intrusion of solid objects like dust, water, or accidental contact of body parts.

Software and Hardware

In terms of substance, the Toughpad A1 will not allow its biggest rival Apple IPad 2 to outsmart its capabilities. Although the Toughpad A1 twice as thick as the Apple iPad 2, having a thickness of 0.7" and weighing 2.1lbs, it runs on a massive 1.2 GHz dual-core Marvell processor over Android 3.2 operating system.

Panasonic's intelligent move to Android platform allows several security features necessary for enterprise and government environments to work seamlessly.

Like other tablets, Toughpad A1 also uses 1GB RAM Memory and 16GB base storage which is expandable up to 32GB using microSDHC card. The front 2MP webcam and the rear 5MP camera with auto focus and led light comes handy for your documentation needs.

Display, input and audio

Its 10" XGA 1024 x 768 multi touch display shows off an advanced screen technology that makes you view your tablet even under the sunlight. Its daylight readability feature may also be found at the Samsung Galaxy Tab, though Toughpad A1's screen brightness hits at 500nit.

It has an active stylus (with integrated holder) that enables you to take notes with the handwriting recognition capability and a Digitizer that enables you to capture signature. Navigation is easy with five tablet buttons that includes the power, back, home, menu and dashboard and On-screen QWERTY keyboard.

The Toughpad also comes with an integrated microphone and speakers that can be controlled through the on screen volume and mute controls.

Connectivity

To keep you on the go, connectivity is very important. The Toughpad A1 it has an optional 3G or 4G (WiMax, LTE) mobile broadband option. With Bluetooth capability and has a satellite-based GPS that comes very handy.

The built-in satellite GPS receiver allows for tracking of resources and provides convenient navigation while traveling.

It has Wi-Fi capabilities and can also serve as a Wi-Fi hotspot router for up to 5 devices. Bluetooth technology can also be used with the Toughpad.

Interface for the docking connector, Micro-USB 2.0, Micro HDMI, Micro SDHC and Ethernet (cradle only) were also present at the Toughpad A1.

Power and Security

The Toughpad A1 is powered by a Li-Ion battery pack (7.4V, 4590mAh) with approximate battery operation of 10 hours. Charging time using an AC 100V-240V 50/60Hz Adapter is 3 hours with power on and 2.5 hours on sleep mode.

Security is said to be the best asset of the Toughpad A1. According to the Panasonic Consumer Competitive Chart, only the Toughpad exhibits the following security features: Antivirus/Malware Protection, Software Encryption, Embedded Hardware Encryption, Network Proxy Settings, Enhanced VPN, Trusted Boot, Root Protection, Dual-Factor Authentication, Kensington Cable Lock Slot, HIPAA Ready -healthcare community's security standards to protect use/disclosure of an individual's health information, and FIPS 140-2 Compliant - The Federal Information Processing Standard is a U.S. government computer security standard used to accredit.

This is how the Toughpad A1 takes the lead on the tablet challenge. Now, let's wait how the Toughpad B1 catches up come 2012.

Panasonic Solutions Company has provided a Microsite for the Toughpad tablet for more information regarding the product panasonic.com/toughpad