Panasonic debuts new Toughbook Wireless Display

Increased adoption of wireless technologies by healthcare organizations requires a wide variety of device types, depending on the clinical or business application. Yet, according to Gartner analyst Ken Dulaney in a May, 2005 report ("Healthcare Device Category Selection Guide"), there "is a product void in the 1-kilogram weight range." This void, between traditional PDAs, which offer limited functionality, and standard clamshell or tablet PCs, which can be too heavy or cumbersome for regular bedside use, is to now be addressed by Panasonic’s Toughbook Wireless Display, which designed to offer an optimal combination of size, weight and functionality for point of care applications. Panasonic announced the new computing device specifically designed to support e-health initiatives, improve clinical care and enhance business performance at the 2006 HIMSS Conference & Exhibition in San Diego yesterday.

Weighing in at only 2.6 lbs (1.18 kg) and equipped with a 10.4" bright LCD, the Toughbook Wireless Display is a thin-client wireless solution designed to improve clinical workflow. It has no local software applications and, instead, wirelessly connects to clinical and management applications which reside on a local server, workstation or other computing resources. The solution works with Citrix Metaframe, Windows Server or Web servers accessible via Local Wireless Area Networks (802.11), providing instant and secure access to clinical and business applications. Toughbook Wireless Display solutions can be architected to support multiple users connected to a single server or wireless infrastructure, or in a peer-to-peer configuration, such as, for example, a computer on wheels (COW).

To enhance the reliability and security of the touch screen device, it has no hard disk drive and includes an optional finger print scanner. The Wireless Display supports wireless access to peripheral devices through Bluetooth technology and, like rugged Toughbook notebooks, the Wireless Display has been tested to resist drops, shock and vibration and is fully sealed to military specifications.

"Healthcare professionals require durable, reliable devices that deliver the advanced functionality they need to effectively do their jobs," said Rance Poehler, president, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company. "Panasonic is committed to working with our premier partners--and listening to our customers--to develop innovative and cost-effective mobile computing solutions that help drive improvements in both clinical care and the business performance of healthcare enterprises."

For more than a decade, Panasonic has been a leader in delivering durable, reliable mobile solutions in mission-critical environments. The new Toughbook Wireless Display complements a suite of Panasonic computing solutions used across the continuum of healthcare, from fully rugged, mil-spec convertible tablet PCs traditionally used by first responders and physicians, to computers on wheels (COWs), to the Toughbook T4, an ultra-light laptop computer broadly adopted in home care.

Panasonic delivers its solutions through a wide array of technology, application and implementation partners, including McKesson, Cerner, MiSys, Flo, Citrix, Microsoft and others. In addition to its comprehensive line of computing devices, Panasonic offers a full range of professional services and provides industry leading warranty, service and support to maximize customers' uptime.

The Panasonic Toughbook Wireless Display will be generally available from Panasonic partners and resellers in Q2 at an estimated end user street price of US$1,750.

Features and Specifications

2.6 lbs (1.18 kg) Wireless Display 10.4" High Bright XGA LCD 4-10 Hour Battery Life Citrix, RDP or HTTP compatible Rugged and fully sealed, tested to MIL-STD-810F standard Handstrap Multiple-client support Optional fingerprint scanner 300' WLAN range

http://www.panasonic.com/toughbook