Panasonic gets even tougher with the launch of a new fully-rugged 7" tablet

The Toughpad Challenge saw competitors vying against each other to take the top score on a high striker, featuring a working Toughpad FZ-M1.

At a very cool event last week, we unveiled the new Toughpad FZ-M1 fully-rugged 7” tablet with Windows 8.1 Pro. This innovative device will hit Aussie shores in April 2014, so we decided to put our newest baby to the test with various ‘feats of strength’… much to the delight of gathered media, Toughpad distributors (and their customers), and very curious members of the public.

In fact, one of the most popular aspects of the launch proved to be Toughpad Challenge, which saw competitors vying against each other to take the top score on a ‘high striker, featuring a working Toughpad FZ-M1 in place of the puck being sent up the tower to ring the bell.

While Malia took the title (and the Toughpad prize), the real winner was the Toughpad that didn’t miss a beat no matter how much of a beating it took. It’s not surprising, given that the FZ-M1’s fully-rugged, sealed design is certified to meet MIL-STD-810G and IP65 specifications for resistance to drops up to 5 feet, water, dust, and other elements!

The winner.

Please don’t think the FZ-M1 is all brawn and no brain; it’s powered by Windows 8.1 Pro and a 4th generation Intel Core i5 vPro processor, and it offers the broadest range of configuration options available in its class for maximum flexibility.

Unlike many consumer tablets and other competitor products, the FZ-M1 is built for easy integration into existing IT infrastructures and for smooth deployments and ongoing support. The device also provides organisations with better and longer life cycle management, which means a lower total cost of ownership, saving time and resources.

Add to this a long-life, user-replaceable battery and sunlight-readable, high-sensitivity multi-touch screen for use with heavy gloves, and you have the ideal tool for today’s mobile workforce.

In 30sec, Alex Kidman highlights the best features of the FZ-M1