Panasonic announced the first ultramobile PC (UMPC) sporting Intel's new Atom processor, and the rugged CF-U1 packs in a full QWERTY keyboard, a touch-screen, and Windows Vista.
"This is really allowing people, because of its size and processing capability, to take applications with them that were not accessible before," said Kyp Walls, director of product management for Panasonic. He said the device was designed to withstand the most punishing environments.
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The energy-sipping Atom processor means the device battery can go without a recharge for about nine hours while still providing the horsepower to run a full Windows environment.
Walls said the device would compete to some degree with portable handhelds running Windows Mobile, but it would open up a new market for professionals who previously had used pen and paper in the field, later transcribing the data at a desktop.
David Krebs, an analyst with VDC, agreed with that assessment.
"It's certainly a device that can open up new applications and new opportunities," he said. "One of the challenges we see in the market today is managing the balance between portability and functionality." The CF-U1, he said, might be the sweet spot for some underserved uses.
Police officers could attach the device to a motorcycle, for example, and then carry it with them on foot -- an ability they don't really have today, according to Krebs.
He said public safety (where Panasonic's ruggedized lines have done well), field service, and transportation would be top market targets for the CF-U1.
"It will be niche-y, definitely vertical market-y," he said. "But that's the Panasonic market."
To serve those niche markets, the device comes with a variety of standard and optional features. The 1.33 GHz Intel Atom processor is complemented by a 512 KB L2 cache and 1 GB of RAM, all packed into a 2.2 in. (H) x 7.2 in. (W) x 5.9 in. (D) frame that is rated to withstand a 4-foot drop onto concrete.
It comes standard with a 16 GB hard drive with an optional 32 GB upgrade, an SD card slot and a USB port.
Some of the optional upgrades include 3G mobile broadband, an integrated camera, a fingerprint scanner, GPS, and barcode and RFID readers, with magnetic stripe and smartcard readers expected later this year. Bluetooth and 802.11a/g/draft-n capabilities come standard.
The CF-U1 will retail for about $2,499 and will be available in August.
Know of a tougher portable? Is there a mobile environment you've had to conquer? Send feedback and comments to news writer Michael Morisy.