Panasonic Computer Solutions Company has introduced the Panasonic Toughbook H1 Field, a rugged handheld tablet computer designed for truck drivers and other mobile workers.

The new computer was built to operate in demanding conditions.

The Panasonic Toughbook H1 Field includes a 500 nit, 10.4-inch dual-touch display that offers both tablet and touchscreen functionality. The display also includes a circular polarizer, plus anti-glare and anti-reflective screen treatments, making it easily viewable in direct sunlight. Weighing in at 3.4 pounds, this mobile computing platform features two gigabytes of Ram and a 64-gigabyte reinforced flex-connect solid state drive.

The technology comes with optional SmartCard, RFID, barcode readers, camera, GPS and Qualcomm's new Gobi2000 mobile broadband technology.

Using Panasonic's battery technology and a 1.86 GHz Intel Atom processor, the Toughbook H1 Field offers six hours of battery life.

"As workforces become more mobile, it's critical to empower them with the right tools," said Kyp Walls, director of product management, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company. "The Toughbook H1 Field was designed based on extensive customer input to ensure it had the right mix of form factor, features and durability to maximize worker productivity and value."

Panasonic also designed the Toughbook H1 Field with ergonomics in mind, including a Panasonic designed system that comfortably cradles the hand between the device and its molded hand strap. Other ergonomic features include a well-balanced center of gravity, integrated handle, thoughtful placement of integrated features and lack of hotspots.

The Toughbook H1 Field offers a range of embedded wireless connectivity options including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1 and Qualcomm's new Gobi2000 technology. The H1 Field will be certified on the Sprint and Verizon Wireless networks.

The computer also includes multiple security features, including options for a contactless or insertable SmartCard reader and a fingerprint reader, helping to ensure that critical data is kept secure.

The product will be available worldwide in March 2010. The Toughbook H1 Field is backed with a three-year standard warranty and lifetime technical support.

More info: www.toughbook.com