NEC rolls out new ShieldPRO rugged tablet PC for Japan

NEC's ShieldPRO ruggedized tablet PCs have never exactly put much emphasis on looks, but the company seems to at least be trying to spice things up a bit with its latest FC-N22A model, which ditches the usual nothing-but-business appearance for something designed to turn a few more heads. That brightly-colored exterior will still give you the same IP55-compliant dust and water resistance, however, along with enough ruggedness to protect it from three-foot drops onto a concrete floor. Otherwise, you can expect the usual 12.1-inch display, low-power Core 2 Duo U7500 1.0GHz processor, a promised 12 hours of battery life, optional built-in GPS, and good 'ol Windows XP for an OS. No word on a price just yet, but you can look for this one to hit Japan by the end of June.

[Via I4U News]

[IT-Accountant @ May 8th 2008 4:37PM]

Perfect! I've always wanted to check Engadget while rappelling down a cliff in the middle of a hurricane/earthquake/volcanic eruption.

lol, but seriously, if these things were cheaper I would get one for when I have to visit my younger relatives (small children can break ANYTHING).

[justin @ May 8th 2008 5:32PM]

instead of using a stylus pen i'm going to use a phillips head screwdriver.

[justin @ May 8th 2008 5:33PM]

instead of using a stylus pen i'm going to use a phillips head screwdriver.

[silverblackvoid @ May 9th 2008 1:22AM]

in the excitement of cracking a joke you posted twice!

[barry99705 @ May 8th 2008 5:51PM]

I'll tell you right now, it ain't gonna be cheap!

[Greg Lipschitz @ May 9th 2008 9:33AM]

Is it just me or does this just look like a re-badged Panasonic Tough Book?