If you’re as clumsy as I am, you’ll want to take a look at Panasonic’s Toughpad tablet line. It’s a very portable tablet that’s made to take a beating.
Panasonic calls describes this with adjectives like “thinnest” and “lightest.” Which doesn’t make much sense when you hold it next to an iPad. But once you realize its a rugged tablet, your perspective changes.
It’s also made to get work done. The Toughpad FZ-G1 model comes with Windows 8 Pro, not that wimpy Windows RT. The hardware specs are closer to a business laptop than to a consumer tablet. Including an Intel Core i5 processor and a solid state drive.
Since this is meant for workers in the field, I put it to use by doing a maintenance report on my office. The 3 megapixel camera is ideal for documenting damages. The touch screen interface makes it easy to record information on the go.
The stylus pops right into the side. It stays attached with a cord. I actually liked this, and I usually hate styluses. A dot appears on the screen when you hover over it. That helps a lot with accuracy. The built-in hand-writing recognition was also great. But still not as fast as typing with the touch keyboard.
Open up the port covers on the side. You’ll discover a full-sized HDMI port. I connected this to my big screen TV with great results. I could see doing this to give presentations, or just to watch some baseball.
Think of the ToughPad as being in an ultra-protective case that is always on. Look closely and you can see where you could unscrew different parts of the case if repairs are needed.
It’s that armour that makes this tablet Mil Spec certified. That means it’s water resistant.
If you need a powerful tablet that can stand up to some punishment, the Toughpad is the way to go. But that rugged power will cost you. The Windows 8 base model retails at $2,350.
