Thanks to an Intel Core i5-3437U CPU, the Panasonic Toughpad FZ G1 delivers a solid performance. Its super tough design withstands all kinds of abuse while remaining light and slim. High-resolution, customizable brightness and capacitive touch combine to provide a fantastic display. The Panasonic Toughpad FZ G1 features a Wacom digitizer and a plethora of modular possibilities.
The Panasonic Toughpad FZ G1 is a rugged computer with impressive durability and zippy performance. In the packaging, the Panasonic Toughpad FZ G1 comes with an Excellent stylus. The Panasonic Toughpad FZ G1's rugged design lets it deliver some good performance, including a high-resolution, outdoor-visible screen. A high-resolution display with a fast processing speed.
The Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1 isn't likely to win any beauty pageants, but it's also not interested in competing. Its 10.1-inch screen is encased in a thick silver bezel that is covered in a thinner, rubbery edge for added grip and impact absorption when dropped. The screen is also protected by being positioned slightly within the frame.
It's a million miles away from other tablets' elegant contours, but it's at least satisfyingly hefty. The tablet is hefty for a tablet, weighing 1.1kg, yet due to its thick appearance, it seems lighter than it appears. It seems more like a laptop than a tablet at 0.8 of an inch thick, so it's a nice surprise that despite its bulk, it performs admirably.
Panasonic appears to wear its nuts and bolts like an industrial badge of pride, whereas Apple, Samsung, and others try to disguise the ugly mechanics with slick aesthetics. On the gleaming metallic backplate alone, we spotted 27 exposed screws.
The inclusion of waterproof face buttons deviates from the standard design once again. The Toughpad FZ-G1 features seven circular buttons lined up below the screen, but the iPad and Android smartphones maintain most operations on the screen. A1 (Panasonic dashboard); A2 (Touch keyboard); Volume Down; Volume Up; Windows Start; Screen Rotate On/Off and Power On are the default functions, from left to right.
The Toughpad's connection seems a little restricted to us, especially given its price and rugged reputation. One of the rigid flaps around the side opens to show the AC adapter socket, while another hides an HDMI port, a headphone jack, and a single USB port. The last flap reveals an Ethernet connector, which is uncommon on tablets but essential for engineers who don't always have access to Wi-Fi.
Indeed, Panasonic claims that the Ethernet port is an optional addition and that the slot may be replaced with a USB port, a microSD port, or a serial port - the last being a vintage connection for which certain engineers require specific equipment. From the overall appearance to the tiniest silvery powder-coated pore, they created a design that exudes Toughpad DNA. The Panasonic Toughpad FZ G1 cannot be mistaken for anything other than a Panasonic device, which is a good thing.
On the Panasonic Toughpad FZ G1, all ports are secured by hinged covers with pressure seals. These covers, however, are not the typical rubber plugs that are notoriously difficult to shut and stay in place; instead, Panasonic uses a slider that clicks into place to ensure that the port is fully secured and sealed.