Panasonic Toughpad FZA1 Ultimate Guide to Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of the Panasonic Toughpad FZ-A1

The Panasonic Toughpad FZ-A1 was designed as a rugged tablet catering to industries and environments that demand durability and reliability. Released in the fourth quarter of 2012, it offered unique features that were not commonly found in consumer tablets at that time. Designed to withstand harsh environments, the FZ-A1 is suitable for professionals in fields such as construction, field service, and military operations.

Design and Build

The build of the Toughpad FZ-A1 is robust, featuring dimensions of 266.7 x 213.4 x 17.8 mm and weighing in at 952.5 grams. The tablet was constructed with a focus on durability, featuring a solid and rugged exterior that meets certain military standards for protection against dust, water, and drops. Despite its bulkiness, the design ensures that it can withstand tough working conditions, granting longevity and sustained performance.

Display

The Toughpad FZ-A1 boasts a 10.1-inch LCD screen, providing a resolution of 768 x 1024 pixels with a 4:3 aspect ratio. With a pixel density of approximately 127 ppi, the display offers a fair viewing experience. The screen's functionality is enhanced under various lighting conditions, making it usable in both bright sunlight and dim environments, much needed for outdoor and field use.

Performance and Operating System

Under the hood, the Toughpad FZ-A1 is powered by a dual-core 1.2 GHz Marvell processor and runs on Android 3.2, also known as Honeycomb. This version of Android was tailored specifically for tablets, providing a user-friendly interface suitable for multitasking. Although the OS may seem outdated by today's standards, it provided essential features necessary for business and professional applications when it was released.

Memory and Storage

The device comes equipped with 1GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage. It supports storage expansion through a dedicated microSDHC slot, allowing users to store additional data, applications, and media. This capability is beneficial for users handling large files or needing extra space for their work-related documents and applications.

Camera Features

The main camera on the Toughpad FZ-A1 is a 5 MP shooter with autofocus and an LED flash, suitable for capturing images in various lighting conditions. Additionally, there's a 2 MP front-facing camera designed mainly for video conferencing, a critical feature for professional communication and collaboration in fields requiring remote connectivity.

Connectivity and Sensors

The Toughpad FZ-A1 features Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n connectivity with hotspot capabilities, allowing users to connect easily to wireless networks. Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR is included for short-range wireless data exchange, although cellular connectivity is absent. The device is equipped with GPS for location services, crucial for navigation and geolocation-based applications. Sensors like the accelerometer and compass provide additional functionality for orientation and movement detection.

Battery Life

The tablet houses a non-removable Li-Ion 4590 mAh battery (33.9Wh), promising a decent battery life with up to 10 hours of talk time. This long-lasting battery life is particularly advantageous for outdoor professionals who require extended tablet use without the inconvenience of frequent charging intervals.

Audio and Additional Features

Audio output is supported via a built-in loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack. These features ensure clear sound quality during voice communications and media playback. Although the device lacks a radio, its USB microUSB 2.0 port facilitates wired data transfer and connectivity with other devices.

Cost and Market Positioning

The Toughpad FZ-A1 was originally priced at about 900 EUR, positioning it as a specialized tool rather than a general consumer device. It primarily targeted businesses and industries that would benefit from its robust features rather than individual consumers seeking a casual tablet. The premium price reflects its rugged build and specialized use case rather than performance specs alone.

Conclusion

Despite being discontinued, the Panasonic Toughpad FZ-A1 remains a noteworthy example of a rugged, professional-grade tablet. While modern tablets have advanced significantly in terms of OS and hardware, the Toughpad FZ-A1's durability and reliability continue to make it an enduring choice in sectors that demand resilience against environmental challenges and rugged use conditions.