Panasonic releases palm-sized PC
38 Commercial Carrier Journal August 2008 P anasonic Computer Solutions Co. (www.panasonic.com/business/ toughbook), manufacturer of Panasonic Toughbook mobile com-puters, introduced the Panasonic Toughbook CF-U1. Panasonic is positioning the new computer as the missing link between laptops, mobile computers and handheld technology, says Bill Pressler, senior manager of market development. The CF-U1 is an ultra mobile PC (UMPC) that uses a low-power Intel Atom processor in a rugged handheld computer. The com-pany says that unlike most handhelds, the Toughbook CF-U1 operates on Windows XP and Windows Vista operating systems, giving users remote access to feature-rich software applications such as mobile print-ing and scanning while in the field. Remote workers can connect to criti-cal information and applications in real time with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 3G mobile-broadband Internet connectiv-ity. Data capture is enabled using 1D and 2D barcode and RFID readers and a 2-megapixel digital camera. The Toughbook CF-U1 also offers full-shift battery life, a sunlight viewable screen, thumb-friendly backlit key-board and LCD touchscreen. The device also features a solid-state drive as well as an optional fingerprint scanner for user authentication. The Toughbook CF-U1 also has several docking options that expand func-tionality. The base model is now available worldwide at an estimated street price of $2,499 from authorized Panasonic resellers and distributors. All in the palm of your hand Panasonic releases ultra mobile PC By Aaron Huff technology (www.jjkeller.com) launched FleetMentor (www.fleetmentor.com), an online fleet management solution, following a six-month beta test that it says included nearly 15,000 transporta-tion professionals. McLeod Software (www.mcleodsoftware.com) announced record sales for the first half of calendar year 2008, with a 32 percent increase over the same period in 2007. McLeod says it had an 84 percent overall sales increase in the second quarter. The company also hired 13 new staff mem-bers at its headquarters in Birmingham, Ala., and training facilities in Salt Lake City since the beginning of the year. released a new version of DeliveryTracker, which it says is a configurable mobile application that extends a company's supply chain to the point of delivery. DeliveryTracker 2.0 is an optional software component to Cadec's fleet management systems. (www.motioncomputing.com) upgraded its F5 semi-rugged tablet PC and new custom peripherals. The company says the F5 now features improved capacity with standard 80 GB hard-disk drives at no additional cost. enhanced its Transportation Intermediaries Network (TIN), a dis-patch and transportation management application for freight brokers. The new enhancements enable users to manage the screen display of their loads for a clearer understanding of their work. in brief Panasonic says its new Toughbook CF-U1 combines all the advantages of laptops, mobile computers and handheld technology.