The H1 has been carefully designed and optimized by Panasonic for healthcare applications. It is washable (it needs to be sterilized on a regular basis) and the grip is much more suited to the daily tasks of a clinic than a classic laptop or Tablet PC.



Panasonic has integrated pretty much every device that is required for the job: GPS, Fingerprint reader, Barcode + RFID readers, digital camera with flash/floodlight, WIFI... you name it. Thanks to the tight integration, there's little need for additional ports, making it more waterproof and easy to maintain. But most importantly, this comes with impeccable ergonomics.



Unlike classic Tablet PCs, the Panasonic H1 is equipped with two removable batteries that allow seamless battery replacements and virtually 24/7 operation. Depending on field conditions, this may allow customers (hospitals) to acquire less units for a given number of staff members. Employees starting on a new shift just need to login and pop a new battery.



Medical computing has different needs and devices like the Panasonic H1 might help medical personnel focus on their patients, rather than on getting the stuff to work. Panasonic is also looking at expanding the use for this form factor and who knows, one day there might be an "outdoor" pad with a solar panel in the back.



The device features Intel's new Atom processor, which requires no external ventilation, hence the computer is completely splash-proof. The Toughbook H1 also sports a "six hour battery life, dual hot-swappable batteries, standard daylight viewable screen and integrated Gobi™ technology," according to the company.



The tablet is light-weight, slick, sturdy, and quite fast. The interface is very intuitive and full of navigation and help features, such as easy to follow instructions for battery changes, or a suspension mode for cleaning and decontamination. The OS is Windows Vista, so H1 can function both as an MCA and an office computer. (The device has ports for external keyboard, as well as for an external screen.) This item is expected to sell for approximately 3,000 US dollars.