Some people need devices that can stand up to a little more abuse than other devices, although most "rugged" devices these days simply have a hard outer shell and inside specs that are on par or slightly below par with other devices on the market.

The new Panasonic FZ-Y1 tablet, however, is an exception to this rule, boasting both high-end specs and an outer shell that is able to survive being used out in the field.

The device features an Intel i7-5600U vPro processor, and while this isn't from the latest generation of Intel processors, it is only one generation behind it. Not only that, but the tablet also features 16 GB of RAM and options for either 256 GB or 512 GB of storage, along with a 20-inch display that boasts a resolution of 3840 x 2560 pixels, or 4K. This thing is a workhorse.

Of course, some might see this device as being a little too large. There were reasons behind making it this large, however, with the tablet aimed at really being a work tablet. The display, which has a 15:10 resolution, was made to be able to view A3 paper sizes common for  designs. The device also offers a magnesium frame and a glass fiber case. Apart from that, there are some interesting features that might not be found on other tablets. For example, the FZ-Y1, which is part of Panasonic's ToughPad line, offers a HDMI 2.0 input port. You read that correctly, an input port. What this means is that the tablet can be used as an external monitor.

The tablet also comes with an optional Electronic Touch Pen, which uses infrared to read the pixels under the pen's tip, which is then communicated through Bluetooth.

All this, however, won't come cheap. The ToughPad FZ-Y1 will sell in the U.K. for 3,180 pounds, or about $4,800. It will be available in the U.K. starting this December. There's no word yet on U.S. availability.

Via: SlashGear