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Panasonic Debuts New Toughbook Wireless Display, Highlights Computing Solutions for Healthcare at HIMSS 2006
[February 13, 2006]

Panasonic Debuts New Toughbook Wireless Display, Highlights Computing Solutions for Healthcare at HIMSS 2006


SECAUCUS, N.J. and SAN DIEGO --(Business Wire)-- Feb. 13, 2006 -- Durable, Reliable Solutions Designed to Improve Adoption of E-Health Initiatives across the Continuum of Care; Toughbook Wireless Display Addresses Need for Lightweight, Wireless Point of Care Devices

Panasonic Computer Solutions Company today announced the introduction of a new durable, reliable computing device specifically designed to support e-health initiatives, improve clinical care and enhance business performance. On display at the 2006 Annual HIMSS Conference & Exhibition in San Diego, CA, the new Panasonic(R) Toughbook(R) Wireless Display complements the company's full line of durable, reliable mobile computing devices for healthcare.

Increased adoption of wireless technologies by healthcare organizations requires a wide variety of device types, depending on the clinical or business application. Yet, according to Gartner analyst Ken Dulaney in a May, 2005 report ("Healthcare Device Category Selection Guide"), there "is a product void in the 1-kilogram weight range." This void, between traditional PDAs, which offer limited functionality, and standard clamshell or tablet PCs, which can be too heavy or cumbersome for regular bedside use, is addressed by the Toughbook Wireless Display, designed to offer an optimal combination of size, weight and functionality for point of care applications.


Weighing in at only 2.6 lbs (1.18 kg) and equipped with a 10.4" bright LCD, the Toughbook Wireless Display is a thin-client wireless solution designed to improve clinical workflow. It has no local software applications and, instead, wirelessly connects to clinical and management applications which reside on a local server, workstation or other computing resources. The solution works with Citrix(R) Metaframe, Windows Server or Web servers accessible via Local Wireless Area Networks (802.11), providing instant and secure access to clinical and business applications. Toughbook Wireless Display solutions can be architected to support multiple users connected to a single server or wireless infrastructure, or in a peer-to-peer configuration, such as, for example, a computer on wheels (COW).

To enhance the reliability and security of the touch screen device, it has no hard disk drive and includes an optional finger print scanner. The Wireless Display supports wireless access to peripheral devices through Bluetooth(R) technology and, like rugged Toughbook notebooks, the Wireless Display has been tested to resist drops, shock and vibration and is fully sealed to military specifications.

"Healthcare professionals require durable, reliable devices that deliver the advanced functionality they need to effectively do their jobs," said Rance Poehler, president, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company. "Panasonic is committed to working with our premier partners--and listening to our customers--to develop innovative and cost-effective mobile computing solutions that help drive improvements in both clinical care and the business performance of healthcare enterprises."

A History of Computing Solutions for the Continuum of Care

For more than a decade, Panasonic has been a leader in delivering durable, reliable mobile solutions in mission-critical environments. The new Toughbook Wireless Display complements a suite of Panasonic computing solutions used across the continuum of healthcare, from fully rugged, mil-spec convertible tablet PCs traditionally used by first responders and physicians, to computers on wheels (COWs), to the Toughbook T4, an ultra-light laptop computer broadly adopted in home care.

Panasonic delivers its solutions through a wide array of technology, application and implementation partners, including McKesson, Cerner, MiSys, Flo, Citrix, Microsoft and others. In addition to its comprehensive line of computing devices, Panasonic offers a full range of professional services and provides industry leading warranty, service and support to maximize customers' uptime.

Pricing and Availability: Toughbook Wireless Display

The Panasonic Toughbook Wireless Display will be generally available from Panasonic partners and resellers this spring at an estimated end user street price of $1,750.00. For a demonstration, visit Panasonic at HIMSS 2006, Booth #3453, or go to www.panasonic.com/toughbook/healthcare for more information.

Features and Specifications Panasonic(R) Toughbook(R) Wireless Display

-- 2.6 lbs (1.18 kg) Wireless Display

-- 10.4" High Bright XGA LCD

-- 4-10 Hour Battery Life

-- Citrix(R), RDP or HTTP compatible

-- Rugged and fully sealed, tested to MIL-STD-810F standard

-- Handstrap

-- Multiple-client support

-- Optional fingerprint scanner

-- 300' WLAN range

About Panasonic Computer Solutions Company

Panasonic Computer Solutions Company empowers the mobile workforce. The company is a unit of Panasonic Corporation of North America, which is the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (NYSE: MC). Panasonic has delivered reliable, durable mobile solutions through its Toughbook(R) line of notebook computers for thirteen years and has expanded the boundaries of wireless technology through a broad portfolio of products, ranging from fully rugged, industrial strength notebook computers and tablet PCs to thin and light semi-rugged notebooks. A core manufacturer, Matsushita and its subsidiaries control the entire process of design, manufacture, quality assurance, service and support. As a result, Panasonic Toughbooks are known for having the lowest failure rates in the industry. Government, industrial, and commercial users--from Fortune 1,000 companies to small businesses--rely on solutions from Panasonic, wherever their work takes them.

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.

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