Panasonic have released the Panasonic Toughpad in New Zealand, adding weight to the tablet computing industry across the country.

The Japanese firm says the fully-rugged Android 4.0 powered device sets itself apart from the competition as a tablet built for business and ready to take on the harshest environments.

With the surge in companies utilising tablet devices, Panasonic believes many have taken them beyond the capabilities and environments they were built for and suffered the consequences.

Coming with an IP65 water and dust protection design, the tablet features MIL-STD-810G 1.2 metre drop resistance, enhanced daylight viewable screen and up to 10 hour battery life.

Combined with business features such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi connectivity, and digitiser for sign-on glass applications, Panasonic say the device has been purpose-built for business and mobile workers.

“Many businesses have been constrained by existing consumer technology and the launch of the Toughpad has seen a steady rise in interest from all areas of the market," says Darryn Smith, Comworth Panasonic Toughbook manager.

“Tablets are great for any number of field applications, but tend to be fragile.

"Drop, sit on, wet or get dust into a consumer tablet and chances are it’s dead. The Toughpad can handle all that abuse and more without missing a beat.

"That’s what businesses and IT departments are demanding when workers depend on technology to get their jobs done.”

For more information, click here