Panasonic Toughbooks Go Gobi

Qualcomm's Gobi chipset is new global mobile Internet solution that will be integrated into Panasonic's entire Toughbook line. Gobi uses high-speed 3G mobile Internet services offered by most network operators in all parts of the world. The embedded technology eliminates the need for wireless cards and other technologies.

According to Victoria Obenshain, Panasonic's director of wireless strategy, the inclusion of Gobi will be phased into all Toughbooks through the first quarter of 2009. Starting in October, Toughbook resellers nationwide will begin offering Gobi-enabled Toughbook 19 convertible tablet and the flagship Toughbook 30 laptops.

Gobi, launched last October, is a multi-modal wireless solution that enables high-speed connectivity on both CDMA2000 EV-DO and UMTS HSPA networks on a single platform, letting customers connect to both networks from both GSM carriers like AT&T and Sprint that operate on the HSPA network and others like Verizon on the CDMA.

The dual-connectivity will give customers the ability to choose a notebook first, and then a network, giving them greater flexibility in purchasing hardware. Firmware is loaded dynamically from the notebook, allowing mobile workers to switch between networks while in the field or traveling both nationally and internationally. Essentially, anywhere a cell phone call can be made, Gobi can connect to the Internet.

By integrating Gobi, Toughbooks will have a single SKU for all regions, simplifying IT, lowering procurement, qualification, support and management costs, Obenshain said.

For resellers, less notebook inventory is required, Obenshain said.

"It's creating a new paradigm of selling wireless," she said, adding that Toughbook resellers, along with chopping inventory can save money on training and support by having to learn only one wireless platform. IT departments and resellers can also now make the carrier decision later, not before a notebook is purchased.

Using Gobi wireless, mobile workers can connect to high-speed data over multiple cellular broadband networks, while IT managers and channel partners can streamline operations by offering single hardware and software solutions to their users and customers.

Panasonic will also include its Carrier Selection Application, which lets Gobi-enabled Toughbooks operate on both CDMA2000 and WCDMA (UMTS) wireless networks and allow seamless network selection within a single device. Gobi's software-defined modem means changes to network selection can be made in the field. If a network change is necessary, the connection manager software features a point-and-click interface so field workers can connect to a new mobile broadband network in areas where their usual wireless service provider might not offer coverage.

Other notable notebook makers, including Dell and HP have also begun embedding Gobi chipsets into laptops.

Along with adding Gobi, both the Toughbook 19 and Toughbook 30 have received certification from Verizon Wireless for use on its CDMA2000 EV-DO network and on AT&T's HSPA network. Panasonic said it also anticipates receiving Gobi certification through Sprint.