Panasonic Atom-based tablet to launch this week

Panasonic's Atom-based Toughbook mini tablet PC will be formally introduced this week, says one report. Although previewed multiple times, the computer should now be made official and will be the first known tablet to use the ultra-efficient, long battery life processor while also adding a rugged design. The 5.6-inch touchscreen is bordered by a shockproof rubber casing that covers ports that aren't in use and keeps out dust and water.

Most specifications are still under guard, though the very small Toughbook will run Windows Vista and is likely to user a lower-clocked version of the Atom than the 1.6GHz chip found in mini notebooks, which have more space for cooling. One preview from Panasonic pointed to an actual launch in autumn, though whether this is for the company's native Japan or for other countries wasn't specified at the time.

Filed under: computers
Other story tags: Intel, Atom, Panasonic, Toughbook