ToughBook: Built for the GreenZone

I have used a Panasonic ToughBook at work for the past 5 years and while I haven't put it through a test like you can see below, I certainly have seen it fall from a countertop, operate in the rain and be used to organize the chaos of a multiple alarm structure fire, and still function flawlessly.

The first military spec tablet PC, with a blend of in-the-field flexibility and proven durability, Toughbook transforms easily from a laptop to a handwriting-friendly tablet PC. The Toughbook features the Windows Vista or XP operating system, a sunlight-viewable display and a touchscreen. In addition, it's been certified to withstand drop from a 6-foot. All this helps to ensure that the Toughbook will stand up to the most rigorous environments.

I'm a Mac guy through and through, but until Apple builds hardware (other than an odd looking aftermarket attempt) that can withstand the extreme conditions and day-to-day abuse firefighters can dole out, I am going to be using a ToughBook. For the most part I use proprietary programs designed to collect and organize patient information that is later used for billing or quality control. But I have also used it to coordinate operations and exercises on a scene where hazardous materials are a factor. With the integrated cellular modem operating, it could be a critical decision making tool accessing online weather conditions, chemical databases or patient tracking during a mass casualty incident.

While I am most familiar with the CF19, Panasonic offers a whole line of products with various features and accessories, ranging from business-rugged to fully-rugged, several of the models operate as a tablet, which is really excellent. Once I became accustomed to the features of a tablet it was hard to go back (the desktop computers at the fire station have fingerprints on the screens from the guys absent mindedly trying to navigate a website by touch rather than by using the mouse).

Okay, so the ToughBook is.... tough, but what about green? I was happy (and a little surprised) to read about the commitment Panasonic is making to use of environmentally responsible processes in production of these units and has outlined concrete goals that reduce 300 thousand tons carbon dioxide emissions, develop a Green Products program focused on efficient resource utilization and creating a Clean Factory criteria including a plan to recycle 98% of generated waste.

In 2006, Panasonic was named as one of the world's most sustainable companies by a Canadian-based media company focusing on corporate responsibility and in 2009, awarded the Ocean Conservation Award by the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California for taking leadership roles in protecting the ocean and the environment. One element of the CSR strategy includes donating ToughBooks to the Wildlife Trust where they are used by biologists in Bolivia manage data.

Purchase a refurbished unit and recharge it with a Xantrex unit and you have a Renewable, Reliable and Remarkable tool to manage your next disaster - or just update your blog.