Panasonic Introduces PDRC; 1000-NIT Fixed Display & Ruggedized Ultra Portable Notebook PC Work In Tandem For Public Safety Solution.

Business Editors/High Tech Writers

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 14, 2000

Editor's Summary:

-- A new concept in mobile vehicle computing and communications:

Permanent Display - Removable Computer (PDRC). The Panasonic

PDRC solution combines a fixed-mount 1000 NIT high resolution

touchscreen display with a removable, Toughbook(R) notebook PC

to provide users with the ideal computing solution whether in

or out of vehicle.

-- The Panasonic PDRC Solution includes:

-- The new ToughScreen(TM) 1000-NIT fixed mount touchscreen

panel

-- The Toughbook(R) 34 ultra portable notebook PC with

integrated wireless communications

-- Full-size backlit keyboard panel

Panasonic Personal Computer Company, the leading provider of ruggedized portable computers to the public safety market, unveils its new PDRC mobile computing and communications solution at this year's APCO event (Booth No. 2428). Created in direct response to feedback from Panasonic's customers, the PDRC system consists of the newly-developed 1000 NIT ToughScreen(TM) display combined with a Toughbook(R) 34 ultra portable notebook PC, and full-size backlit keyboard. Panasonic's PDRC system offers the best features of fixed-mount displays with the flexibility of portable computing power, and eliminates the dilemma of choice that administrators have historically faced when deciding between totally fix-mounted or portable systems for public safety vehicles.

"PDRC provides the public safety industry with the best of both worlds," comments John Harris, Vice President of Marketing for Panasonic Personal Computer Company.

"By uniquely combining the 1000 NIT ToughScreen fixed display with a removable, ruggedized and wirelessly-enabled Toughbook 34, the PDRC system gives users the freedom of continuous computing and communications both while in and out of vehicle," further notes Harris.

Panasonic's new ToughScreen

A key component of the PDRC concept is Panasonic's new ToughScreen, a magnesium-encased 10.4" active matrix touchscreen LCD with a brightness rating of 1000 NITs, for superb viewability even in the brightest sunlight. At only 1.2 inches thin, the ToughScreen offer the lowest profile of any available fixed-mount LCD. In designing the ToughScreen, Panasonic's engineering expertise allowed the elimination of the cooling fans required on other products, resulting in a quieter in-vehicle environment, significantly less power consumption, and reduced burden on vehicle battery system. The ToughScreen also features dual integrated speakers, 5 programmable function keys, and a programmable emergency "Hot Button", conveniently positioned in the upper left-hand corner of the case. Touchscreen capability allows the management of computer functions with either the touch of a finger or keyboard input, depending on applications.

Toughbook 34 Ultra Portable Notebook PC

The second key component of the PDRC system is Panasonic's Toughbook 34, the worlds' first fully ruggedized Windows-based utlra portable notebook PC. Encased in magnesium alloy, with a shock-, moisture-, and dust-resistant design, the Toughbook 34 weighs a mere 3.8 pounds and features an Intel Pentium III 400MHz CPU, 8.4" Polysilicon TFT Active Matrix Color LCD display with touchscreen and anti-reflective treatment. Communications are supported by an integrated 56Kbps modem and the option of integrated wireless solutions including DataTAC, Mobitex and CDPD networks.

A variety of mounting configurations for the ToughScreen and the total PDRC system are planned, allowing for flexibility, convenience and air-bag compliance considerations. The estimated pricing for the PDRC system is $5,999.

Toughbook 34 Feature Set

-- Ultra portable, 3.8 pound ruggedized Windows(R) -based

notebook PC with full magnesium case. Designed using MIL-STD 

810E test procedures for shock, dust, vibration and water

resistance.

-- 8.4" SVGA TFT Active Matrix Color LCD with touchscreen and

anti-reflective treatment for optimum viewability under all

light conditions

-- Integrated wireless communications for Mobitex, DataTAC, CDPD

networks

-- Mobile Intel(R)Celeron(TM)processor 300 MHz or

Intel(R)Pentium(R)III 400 MHz processor

-- 4.3GB HDD to 10GB HDD, 64MB RAM expandable to 192MB

-- 3400mAH Lithium Ion Battery for extended field operation

-- Integrated 56Kbps modem with LAN option

-- Dimensions: 1.7" (H) x 9.0"(W) x 7.4"(D)

-- Weight: 3.8 lbs.

Panasonic Personal Computer Company

Panasonic Personal Computer Company is the leading provider of Toughbook ruggedized and wireless notebook PCs for mobile professionals in the USA, and is a provider to over 1,000 law enforcement agencies in the United States. Parent firm, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd., of Japan (NYSE: MC) has annual sales of $70 billion dollars, and remains one of the only manufacturers today that directly controls the process of design, manufacture and quality assurance of its notebook PCs. Many key components including LCD panels, Lithium Ion batteries, DVD and CD-ROM drives and board-level electronics are the products of Panasonic divisions.

Note to Editors: All brand and company/product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies. All specifications are subject to change without notice.

Information on Panasonic's full line of notebook PCs for the mobile professional can be obtained by calling 800-662-3537 or at http://www.panasonic.com/toughbook.