(Click here for a larger view of Panasonic's CF-U1)Although the company has not provided specifics, the ruggedized CF-U1 likely uses not only Intel's
Atom CPU, expected to scale to 1.8GHz speeds, but also the so-called Centrino Atom chipset, which integrates northbridge and southbridge onto a single chip. Intel has said devices based on these products -- previously code-named "Silverthorne" and "Menlow," respectively -- will require a tenth the power of Core 2 Duo-based systems.
Panasonic says the CF-U1 offers not only long battery life but also hot-swappable battery packs. The CF-U1 comes with a carrying strap (pictured, right), offers a 5.6-inch touchscreen display, and has an integral keyboard. In a potentially controversial move, the QWERTY layout is split in the middle by the centrally located numeric keypad.
Like other products in Panasonic's Toughbook line, the CF-U1 is touted as being impact- and liquid-resistant. It will be available with a barcode reader and optional cameras, according to the company.
Although the CF-U1 is apparently the first Atom-based Windows computer to be announced, Finnish integrator Elektrobit has previously said it plans to ship a mobile internet device (MID) that uses the Centro Atom chipset and runs Linux. Focused on VoIP, the
yet-to-be-named device will support WiMax, WiFi, and Bluetooth networking, Elektrobit says.
For more information on Intel's Atom processor and Centrino Atom chipset, see our earlier coverage,
here.
AvailabilityThe "Windows Vista-compatible" Toughbook CF-U1 will be available in Japan in autumn 2008, and released to other markets subsequently, according to Panasonic. It is being displayed until Mar. 9 at the company's
CeBit tradeshow stand (Pavilion U33) in Hannover, Germany.
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