Panasonic Toughbook CF-U1 Review

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As the world’s first ruggedized ultra mobile PC, the Toughbook CF-U1 combines maximum functionality and connectivity in a compact size with extreme durability. At 1060 grams, the unit can withstand falls as high as 120 cm, and is IP54 compliant for dust and moisture resistance.

Data can be input through either the keyboard, or with a pen or finger on the 5.6-inch touchscreen which is viewable even in direct sunlight. With the WSVGA resolution (1024 x 600), 1GB of memory, 16GB solid-state hard drive (optional 32GB) and energy efficient 1.33GHz Intel Atom CPU the CF-U1 can run under constant use for up to 9 hours.

A full-function operating system (Windows XP or Windows Vista Business) makes the CF-U1 the better high-performance alternative compared to conventional handhelds, while standard WLAN and Bluetooth delivers the latest wireless technologies. And the optional integrated HSDPA, GPS and other application-specific modules make the CF-U1 the mobile multifunctional tool for even the most demanding working conditions.

Features

  • Genuine Windows Vista Business with Service Pack 1 (with XP downgrade option)
  • Intel Atom processor Z520 1.33GHz with 533MHz FSB, 512KB L2 cache
  • 16GB solid-state removable drive (32GB optional)
  • 1GB memory
  • 5.6-inch WSVGA sunlight viewable touch screen (1024×600 resolution)
  • Antireflective screen treatment
  • LED backlighting
  • Intel Wireless Wi-Fi Link 5100 series (802.11a/g/draft-n)
  • Bluetooth v2.0 + EDR
  • Interfaces: USB 2.0, SD Card, Microphone, Headphone, Expansion Bus
  • Integrated options include 3G mobile broadband, integrated camera, fingerprint scanner, GPS, barcode or RFID readers
  • Optional expansion modules for magnetic stripe reader and serial/Ethernet/smart card are expected in late 2008
  • Approximately 9 hours of battery life
  • 2.3 pounds (with strap and both batteries)
  • 2.2 inches tall by 7.2 inches wide by 5.9 inches deep

    Review By Zdnet

    The CF-U1 carries IP54 certification, meaning it has a high level of dust protection (level 5 of 6), and a moderate level of water protection (level 4 of 8). This device is by no means waterproof, but we have seen it washed over with a light slash of water, and it should do fine in light rain.

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    Review By Ruggedpcreview

    The Toughbook U1 uses the standard UMPC form factor of a small tablet that you’re expected to hold with both hands while typing on the wide-format 61-key keyboard designed for thumb-typing. The layout of the keys is such that half of the QWERTY setup is on the left and the other half on the right, with a numeric keypad and punctuation keys inbetween them, requiring some getting used to. Zoom in and out buttons as well as a scroll rocker make navigation easier, and there are four programmable hardware function keys on top of numerous keyboard functions.

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    Review By Pcmag

    The CF-U1 screen’s 1,024-by-600 resolution is what you’ll find on most netbooks nowadays, though the 5.6-inch screen is tiny by netbook standards. If the resolution were any higher, text would be virtually unreadable. Case in point: the Fujitsu LifeBook U820, which has a 1,280-by-800 resolution on the same-size screen. Though photos, videos, and movies look better on the Fujitsu, text readability suffered. Moreover, the CF-U1’s small text presents a unique challenge: The tablet is a touch screen, meaning that when you are clicking links or selecting text, you have a much smaller target to aim for. You have the option to zoom in with a handy toggle switch to the left of the screen, but even then, it’s difficult to navigate.

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    Review By Panasonic

    Rugged UMPCs must be purpose-built and engineered for the environments in which they will likely be used. The Toughbook® CF-U1 will thrive in environments as diverse as construction sites, mining operations, oil and gas refineries, manufacturing facilities, railroad yards, city streets and storage warehouses. Further, the Toughbook CF-U1 is ideally suited for use by insurance adjusters, building inspectors, police officers, firefighters and other first responders. The Toughbook CF-U1 has several docking options that expand functionality whether in a vehicle, at a desk, or on the move.

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    Review By Trustedreviews

    The inclusion of a solid state drive removes a potential point of mechanical failure from the equation, and theoretically, provides the CF-U1 with greater long term durability than any other ToughBook. The drive inside my review sample has a 16GB capacity, but a 32GB disk is optional. With standard ultra-portable notebooks already shipping with 128GB SSDs, it’s probably a safe bet to assume that Panasonic will offer higher capacities over the coming months. However, it’s worth remembering that ToughBooks are generally used by field workers, who only need them to do specific tasks, and therefore masses of storage space is rarely required.

    Read Full Review Here

    Review By Crave.cnet

    True to the ToughBook philosophy, the CF-U1 is ruggedised. That means it can withstand a drop of up to 1.2m, and has rubber seals on all the ports, which prevent dust and water from seeping into it. If you’re clumsy, or just have a fetish for throwing machines on the floor, this will be right up your street.

    The whole lot runs on a 1.33MHz Intel Atom CPU, 1GB of RAM and either a 32GB or 64GB solid state hard drive. Unfortunately it’ll cost you an arm and half a leg. When it appears in the US in August it will set you back $2,499 (£1,250).

    Read Full Review Here

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    Posted on February 8th, 2009
    Written by: PCMAN
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