Panasonic introduced a new tablet this week, but this time a smaller and rugged model, a 7 inch Android slate known as TOUGHBOOK FZ-L1. It has an optional integrated barcode reader and it’s both versatile and smartly priced. This rugged model is ideal for mobile workers.
The slate has uses in areas like hospitality, manufacturing, transportation and logistics. It can be used for real time ordering, inventory checks and proper localization of products. Routing, task association and inventory management are also on the table. It comes with a WiFi-only option for inside workers or with optional voice and data capability for field-based workers.
Panasonic’s Toughbook FZ-L1 weighs around 480 grams, which by rugged tablet standards is quite light. It’s based on a Snapdragon platform, runs Android and there will be an impressive total of 8 versions of the device available. They come with or without integrated enterprise class straightline barcode readers, used to scan 1D, 2D or QR codes. There’s also a choice of WiFi only or WiFi and 4G data capabilities, or Google Mobile Services.
The products run on Android 8.1 Oreo with the promise of an update to Android 9.0 Pie when it comes. A quad core Qualcomm Snapdragon CPU is inside, clocked at 1.1 GHz and accompanied by 16 GB of flash storage and 2 GB of RAM. Battery swap is included, letting you use another battery without interrupting work. As far as the ruggedness goes, the Toughbook has been certified for Military Standard 810G usage, with dust and water resistance up to IP67 and it can be dropped from up to 1.5 meters in height.
Accessories include cradles, holsters, battery packs, styli and protective films.
