The Panasonic Toughbook CF-19 is a market-leading, rotating-screen, convertible notebook. It’s designed for field-based professionals and uses WiFi and 3G broadband to help them share information quickly with staff back at the office. Especially for fleet customers such as police services, we now offer the option of a built-in Panasonic Toughbook in the Vauxhall Astra.
Dick Ellam, Vauxhall Special Vehicles Manager, says: “The Astra has long-since been a trusted model within the police, which is why we have chosen to make this feature available. Toughbook rugged mobile computers are already in use by several police services across the country, and are proving to be a revolutionary resource to police; at a time when spending cuts are rife, a device that enables the force to save time and money will be invaluable.”
The best news since two-way radio
Previously, logging a crime report was a lengthy process. After a home visit, an officer would have to take notes in a notebook and then write-up the report, faxing it back to a team at the office who would then type it up. This system was not only lengthy, but mistakes were often introduced during typing and fax-reading. The Toughbook eliminates these problems, and police describe it as one of the greatest innovations since the two-way radio.
Dick continues: “The Toughbook enables the police force to operate a mobile-office system. Before built-in Toughbook systems were available, an officer would have to spend about a third of his or her time in the office.”
Toughbook integrates into dashboard
The Toughbook fits into a docking station which is mounted in the glove box of the Astra. It can be easily removed and the laptop screen can be viewed in both upright and downward positions. When out on the road, officers can use the Toughbook to access the same systems that are available in the office, so they can be alerted to incidents as soon as they are reported and respond in the quickest time possible. The Toughbook is linked to an 8.4 inch high-resolution touch-screen positioned in the Astra dashboard. Not only is the screen located in easy reach of the driver or passenger, it’s mounted flush in the dash to meet all legal and safety regulations.
“Toughbook rugged computers are ideal for professionals working in mission-critical or field-based environments, so their potential use extends beyond that of the police” continues Dick. “Service and maintenance is another good example of an industry that requires its workers to be constantly out on the road responding to customer call-outs. Communication and access to information is critical so a built-in system that can save time and maximise staff efficiency would be an asset. Also, Toughbook has the ability to cope with the harshest of working conditions, making it ideal for those working in engineering, transportation, construction, military, field-based service and many other working environments where technology is exposed to the most extreme working conditions.”
Panasonic Toughbook now offered in Vauxhall Astra