Newsletter 39  July 2008/2

You’ve probably heard that ultra-mobile PCs (UMPCs) could be the next big thing in mobile computing, and now Panasonic has put in a bid for the rugged end of this emerging market with a new model in its ToughBook range. It is the CF-U1 Toughbook, and it certainly looks the part. It is just 151mm (5.9in) wide, yet Panasonic has found room to squeeze in a full QWERTY keyboard under the 5.6in wide sunlight-viewable touch screen. The weight is put at 1060g.

The CF-U1 runs the full Windows product (XP or Vista), not a mobile version. Panasonic claims this distinguishes it from rival products. The processor is Intel’s Atom model, rated at 1.33 MHz. This is matched with a 16GB or 32 GB solid state “disk” and 1 GB of RAM.

Wi-Fi wireless networking is built in, and many other options are on offer, including GPS, one- or two-dimensional barcode readers, RFID technology, a 2 megapixel camera and a fingerprint reader. Useful features include anti-slip sides, a strap designed to prevent wrist stress, and leaf-shaped diagonally-spaced keys to reduce mis-typing.