If you look inside most police cars, there's a good chance you'll see a Panasonic Toughbook. Less well-known, however, is Panasonic's line of Business Tough computers, which are designed to provide a sturdy alternative to everyday laptops. Although they definitely aren't the mil-spec Toughbooks intended for patrol work, the business-rugged can hold their own.
Last month in Japan, Panasonic unveiled the F8, a medium-size, lightweight, long-battery-life computer. Law Officer was the only law enforcement publication at the Japanese conference, so I was able to speak at length with Rance Poehler, president of Panasonic Computer Solutions, regarding his company's commitment to police computing. As we examined the F8 and talked about its features, it became apparent that the F8 is perfect for the law enforcement investigator or executive who doesn't need the heft and durability of the fully-rugged Toughbook line.
The talk with Poehler also gave me a chance to revisit Panasonic's new U1, an ultra-rugged mini-computer capable of big computer functionality. You can get the full specs on the new F8, the U1 and the new 8 series of business-rugged at www.panasonic.com/business/toughbook.
Watch for a full review of the new F8 in an upcoming issue, as well as a thorough look at the U1 by Tim Dees, editor of LawOfficer.com
