Panasonic unveils Toughbook H1 Field, world's most rugged tablet PC

Panasonic on Wednesday introduced the Toughbook H1 Field, what it calls the world's most rugged handheld tablet computer.

The new computer is built for extreme mobility and productivity and intended for field sales personnel, first responders, supervisors, inspectors, maintenance workers and other highly mobile professionals.

In other words: it's an Apple iPad for the rough-and-tumble set.

Because of that, the Toughbook H1 Field meets IP65 and MIL-STD-810G (that includes a six foot drop rating) standards.

Inside, you'll find a 1.86 GHz Intel Atom processor, 2GB of memory, a 64GB flex-connect solid state drive and twin hot-swappable batteries that offer up to six hours of battery life

The 3.4-lb. H1 Field also offers SmartCard, RFID reader, barcode scanner, camera, GPS and Qualcomm Gobi2000 as options.

Outside, the H1 has a 500 nit, 10.4-inch dual-touchscreen display that includes a circular polarizer, anti-glare and antireflective treatment, as well as a balanced center of gravity, integrated handle and overall lack of hotspots, the company says.

Here's a quick video runthrough from the company:

Here's the specification rundown:

• Genuine Windows 7 (with XP Tablet downgrade option)
• Intel Atom processor Z540 (1.86GHz)
• 2GB RAM
• 64 GB reinforced flex-connect Solid State Drive SSD
• 10.4" XGA sunlight-viewable 500 nit dual-touch LCD
• Circular polarizer with anti-glare and anti-reflective screen treatments
• 6 hour battery life
• Twin hot-swappable batteries
• 3.4 lbs (with both batteries)
• Meets MIL-STD-810G certified (6 foot drop)
• Magnesium alloy chassis encased in polycarbonate
• IP65 certified sealed all-weather design, reinforced Flex-connect Solid State Drive (SSD)
• Wide operating temperature range (-20C ~ 60C or -4F ~ 140F)
• Optional integrated WWAN / Gobi2000 mobile broadband (EV-DO and HSPA)
• Intel WiFi Link 5100 802.11a/b/g/n
• Bluetooth v2.1 + EDR
• Integrated Options
• Global positioning system (GPS) receiver
• 2D barcode reader (also 1D capable)
• 2.0 megapixel auto-focus camera with dual LED lights
• RFID reader
• Fingerprint reader optional
• Contactless SmartCard reader optional
• Insertable SmartCard reader optional
• Integrated docking connector
• Dimensions: 10.4" (L) x 10.6" (W) x 1.3" - 2.3" (H)

The Panasonic Toughbook H1 Field will be available worldwide in March 2010 for $3,379.

It comes with a 3-year standard warranty and lifetime technical support.