First impression of Panasonic’s new rugged – Mobile

This summer I tested Panasonic’s rugged Android mobile FZ-X1, and it was something extraordinary. Thick and heavy as five glued top models from Sony or Samsung, with a battery life about twice as long as anything we have measured, and moreover continued to move even when you took out the battery. A second battery allowed you to change the battery during operation.

The new FZ-F1 and N1 (like their predecessors, they are in Windows and Android version) feels comparably to more normal rugged mobiles, less than half as thick as the forerunners but at the expense of battery life, the battery is 3200 mAh (if you do not use the extra thick double battery of 6400 mAh), but it is still possible to change operating. It is not so very heavy either.

stands out, figuratively and literally, makes barcode reader. Most phones can use the camera to read barcodes, but here we are talking about a professional laser reader that can be used elsewhere. This is the phone for professionals, such as courier companies or the train crew and according to Jonathan Tucker Panasonic is slightly more than half of their products specially rebuilt for the customer, and nearly all sold have some form of customization.

Even predecessor had barcode scanner, but that it is at an angle to the receiver now offers significantly better ergonomics. You can use it without burdening the wrist as much, and you can view the screen while scanning the bar code.

Jonathan Tucker also shows an active stylus that know the difference between different pressures, which are available as accessories. He also demonstrates software that can compare the signatures. There is a charging cradle which also comes as rack of multiple devices, and there is mounting for a strap for better grip in hand.

The price is just over 15,000 per unit, and the Android version is expected to begin in early summer, while the version with Windows 10 comes at the end of the summer.

– the time difference is due to problems with Windows 10 more than the hardware, said Jonathan Tucker.