Panasonic's Toughbook® was back at NACE for a second year. Toughbook is a wireless computer product known as an MDWD - Mobile Data Wireless Display. It looks like a small computer screen and can be carried anywhere in the shop or out onto the lot for estimates, allowing the user to enter or retrieve estimates and production information without being tied to a desk. A keyboard appears on the screen and you can use it to enter data. 

Panasonic distributor Roberto Baires holds the Toughbook as he discusses its features with Jay Schoen of Autobody Unlimited of Simi Valley, California.

Body shops have really taken to Toughbook, particularly for use by estimators," said Mark Lund, the Panasonic National Sales Manager.

"I like the fact that I can write an entire estimate in the back lot, in one shot," said Bruce Hubert, at estimator at Mike Rose's, a multiple-shop operator in the San Francisco East Bay. "Before we had to translate from a paper worksheet to the computer."

Since it was introduced to shops at NACE 2004, Toughbook has undergone several improvements based on user feedback. The latest model has a screen that's 40% brighter and a battery that lasts longer. "The brighter screen makes it easy to read outdoors in sunlight," noted Lund.

Toughbook uses a wireless network to connect to the body shop's network. "Many shops have recently installed a wireless network because the insurance adjusters find it convenient when they come in to write estimates," said Roberto Baires, a Toughbook distributor who was at NACE to demonstrate the product. Like the name says, Toughbook is tough, and to prove the point Baires dropped one on the concrete floor at NACE. Yep, it still worked. Panasonic says the MDWD is also resistant to moisture, so don't worry about a sudden downpour.

Further information: www.panasonic.com/toughbook or call Baires at 510-531-3582.