BASKING RIDGE, NJ AND SECAUCUS, NJ, June 19, 2007 - Panasonic Computer and Verizon Wireless announced several new notebook certifications for embedded access to the EV-DO Revision A-based BroadbandAccess service from Verizon Wireless.Panasonic products now certified on the Verizon Wireless Revision A network include the rugged Toughbook 30 notebook and Toughbook 19 convertible tablet PC designed and tested for military, public sector and industrial users in more extreme environments and the semi-rugged Toughbook 74 notebook and business-rugged ultra-portable and thin-and-light notebooks - the T, W and Y series—designed for business travelers and mobile professionals in government, commercial and healthcare industries.
Whatever the category, all Toughbook computers share the common engineering and experience gained from Panasonic’s position as a leader in designing, manufacturing and testing rugged, reliable and wireless computing solutions for fourteen years. Panasonic and Verizon Wireless have made high-performance embedded EV-DO solutions available in Toughbook notebooks since mid-2005. “Panasonic and Verizon Wireless have always believed that there is no one-size-fits-all mobile computing solution and that, no matter the mission, reliable access to information is critical,” said Victoria Obenshain, director, wireless strategy, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company.
“Today’s announcement of multiple EV-DO Revision A notebook certifications marks an expansion of our joint commitment to deliver the fastest, most reliable connectivity for mobile workers in a range of applications and environments, from the extreme to the mainstream.” “The combination of Verizon Wireless’ BroadbandAccess service with Panasonic Toughbooks epitomizes reliability,” said Patrick Stokes, Verizon Wireless vice president – national distribution. “Access to the BroadbandAccess network gives business customers a competitive advantage. The increased productivity, along with faster access to business critical applications means a faster return on their investment.
It is a mission critical strategy for any successful business today.”Verizon’s BroadbandAccess with EV-DO Rev. A service allows users to download complex files and email attachments at average speeds of 600 to 1.4 Mbps, and provides upload speeds averaging 500 – 800 kbps. To access Verizon Wireless BroadbandAccess service on any of the Panasonic Toughbook notebooks requires the purchase of the Sierra Wireless’ embedded MC-5725 PCi Express card, and VZAccess software.
Availability
The full line of rugged, semi-rugged and business-rugged Panasonic Toughbooks featuring access to Verizon Wireless’ BroadbandAccess service is available now through authorized Panasonic Toughbook resellers nationwide, “buy now” partners available on the website, and at the RCS Experience store on Madison Avenue at 56th Street, New York.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 60.7 million customers. The largest US wireless company and largest wireless data provider, based on revenues, Verizon Wireless is headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 66,000 employees nationwide.
The company is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD).
About Panasonic Computer Solutions Company
Panasonic Computer Solutions Company empowers the mobile workforce. The company is a unit of Panasonic Corporation of North America, which is the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (NYSE: MC). Panasonic has delivered reliable, durable mobile solutions through its Toughbook line of notebook computers for fourteen years and has expanded the boundaries of wireless communications technology through a broad portfolio of products, ranging from fully rugged, industrial strength notebook computers and tablet PCs to semi-rugged and business-rugged thin and light and ultraportable notebooks.
A core manufacturer, Matsushita and its subsidiaries control the entire process of design, manufacture, quality assurance, service and support. As a result, Panasonic Toughbooks are known for having the lowest failure rates in the industry. Government, industrial, and commercial users - from Fortune 1,000 companies to small businesses - rely on solutions from Panasonic, wherever their work takes them.