Panasonic's Popular And Toughest Rugged Android Handheld Just Gets Better And Better

The Panasonic TOUGHBOOK FZ-N1: Tougher, more powerful and with enhanced battery life

Panasonic recently announced the latest version of its premium rugged handheld device with integrated angled barcode reader for mobile workers. With improved rugged capabilities, a powerful performance boost, world-leading communication capabilities and improved 4.7-inch screen visibility, this second-generation Panasonic TOUGHBOOK FZ-N1 Android device could become the new market leader.

The latest PanasonicTOUGHBOOK FZ-N1handheld builds on the success of the first-generation device launched in 2016, which has already become a firm favourite in the postal, logistics and food delivery markets across Europe. Additional markets include emergency services, utilities and the airline industry for scanning tickets and boarding passengers. With its integrated angled rear barcode reader to protect against repetitive strain and increase productivity, the device can be easily held and operated in one hand while seeing on the display what item has been scanned.

The 2nd generation will be available in two models: a new WiFi only model for warehouse and location-based mobile workforces and a combined 4G + WiFi model for mobile workforces travelling from location to location. The slim (16.3mm) and lightweight (274g) device is easy to use for telephone calls and includes 3 mics with superior noise suppression technology and dual front speakers delivering in total up to 100 dBA for sound clarity in a noisy environment.

Improved experience
The 4.7” HD capacitive multi-touch daylight readable display is designed for use by workers in bright sunlight or in the rain and those wearing gloves. The device can also be used with an optional Active Pen, for more accurate signature recording and recognition capabilities.

More powerful
The latest generation device is more flexible, futureproofed and more powerful than ever. It runs the Android 8.1 Oreo operating system with upgrade path to Android 9.0 (Pie). It is equipped with the latest Qualcomm Octa Core processor with an increased 3GB of RAM memory and 32GB of Flash storage, double the size of the first generation.

Battery life has been extended from 8 to 12 hours to cater for longer working shifts. The ability to warm swap batteries has been maintained to prevent work disruption during longer operation.

Its communication capabilities are unrivalled in the rugged handheld market being one of the first devices to offer Bluetooth 5.0 to deliver faster data exchange or communicate over longer distances. It also supports fast roaming WiFi standard r to allow warehouse and office workers to move quickly from one area to another without losing connectivity.

There is an 8MP rear and 5MP front camera for document capture and webcam use, as well as a micro USB port, micro SDXC card slot and dual nano SIM slots.

Tougher than ever
The fully rugged device is also tougher than ever, tested to a MIL-STD-810G certified drop height of 2.1m (up from 1.8m). For those working in cold temperatures, such as frozen and chilled food delivery drivers, the operational temperature range of the device has also been extended from -20° to +50°C.^*

Jan Kaempfer, General Manager of Marketing for Panasonic Computer Product Solutions, said: “In just a short time the PanasonicTOUGHBOOK FZ-N1has had an impact on the premium rugged handheld market. It’s ergonomic, yet rugged design, and wide-ranging functionality have made it a favourite of the outside mobile worker. This latest upgrade has made that device tougher, more powerful and even more user-friendly in a future-proofed product that buyers can be confident will still be in use for many years to come.

Alongside our recently launched PanasonicTOUGHBOOK FZ-T1Android handheld device, which is more suited to the indoor mobile worker, and our wider range of rugged notebook, tablet and handheld devices, we should be the first port of call for any mobile device buyers looking for versatile, long-lasting and business-ready workforce solutions.”

The PanasonicTOUGHBOOK FZ-N1is available with a range of support accessories, including a hand strap, cradle, holster, extended battery and charging cradle stand. The Panasonic TOUGHBOOK FZ-N1 handheld also has its own vehicle docking solution, designed in-house by the Panasonic Global Docking Solutions team. The dock has been ergonomically designed using composite materials for the perfect combination of light weight and durability, and allows for single-handed docking and release.

Management and Security
For ease of management and security, the device is compliant with Panasonic COMPASS (Complete Android Security and Services) 2.0. Panasonic COMPASS offers everything businesses need to securely deploy and manage their Panasonic rugged Android devices. It is designed to take advantage of the flexibility offered by an Android operating system with the reassurance that Panasonic’s devices are business-ready for applications, management and security.

Also, the FZ-N1 is optimized to run the MCL platform. MCL is an integrated low code mobility platform which can turn the device into an edge solution.

Availability
The WiFi only version of the Panasonic TOUGHBOOK FZ-N1 handheld will be available from November 2018, with pricing starting at £1,696 plus tax. The combined WiFi and 4G model will be available from January 2019 priced at £1,696 plus tax. Both devices will be available Europe-wide and come with a standard 3-year warranty.

About Panasonic System Communications Company Europe (PSCEU)
Panasonic System Communications Company Europe’s (PSCEU) goal is to improve the working lives of business professionals and help their organisations’ efficiency and performance through world leading technology. We help organisations capture, compute and communicate all sorts of information: image, voice, and textual data. With around 350 staff, engineering design expertise, global project management capability and a large European partner network, PSCEU offers unrivalled capability in its markets.

PSCEUis made up of six product categories:
Broadcast & ProAV gives you the freedom to tell the story with its high quality products and solutions, which ensure smooth operation and excellent cost-performance across a range of remote cameras, switchers, studio cameras and ENG P2HD. The cinema camera range of VariCam models and the EVA1 are capable of true 4K and High Dynamic Range (HDR) making them the ideal solution for cinema, television, documentary and live event production.

Communication Solutions offers world leading telephony systems, SIP terminal devices and professional ‘network’ scanners giving you the freedom to focus on the communication and not the connection.

Computer Product Solutions help mobile workers improve productivity with its range of TOUGHBOOK rugged notebooks, Toughpad business tablets and electronic point of sales (EPOS) systems. As European market leaders, Panasonic TOUGHBOOK had a 67% revenue share of sales of rugged and durable notebooks and Panasonic Toughpad held a 56% revenue share of sales of rugged business tablets in 2016 (VDC Research, March 2017).

Industrial Medical Vision manufactures applications for various segments such as medical, life science, ProAV or industrial. The product portfolio includes complete and OEM camera systems, providing the freedom to see what can’t be seen.

Security Solutions, built on a heritage of providing evidential quality CCTV footage. Delivering the highest image quality in all environmental conditions using our highly reliable, advanced technology cameras and image recording systems, giving you the freedom to feel secure.

Visual System Solutions offers the widest range of professional displays and projectors and allows Audio Visual professionals the freedom to create. It leads the European high brightness projector market with a 39% market revenue share (Futuresource >5klm FY17 Q3, excl. 4K & digital cinema).

About Panasonic
Panasonic Corporation is a worldwide leader in the development of diverse electronics technologies and solutions for customers in the consumer electronics, housing, automotive, and B2B businesses. Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2018, the company has expanded globally and now operates 591 subsidiaries and 88 associated companies worldwide, recording consolidated net sales of Euro 61.4 billion for the year ended March 31, 2018. Committed to pursuing new value through innovation across divisional lines, the company uses its technologies to create a better life and a better world for its customers. For more information, visit http://www.panasonic.com/global.

^* Product or application booting can dependent upon the battery charge level.