Panasonic Computer Solutions Co. — manufacturer of Panasonic Toughbook mobile computers — announced Oct. 4 that it has awarded Toughbook 19s to the top 12 mechanics at this year’s third annual TMCSuperTech2007 competition, held last week as part of the Technology and Maintenance Council’s annual fall meeting.
Eighty-four technicians qualified for this year’s competition, which included 12 skill stations. Each of the 12 skill station winners received the Toughbook 19 – Panasonic’s rugged convertible notebook computer – as a surprise inclusion to their prize package.
“The level of technology in today’s trucks continues to grow in leaps and bounds,” says Bill Presler, senior business development manager for Seacaucus, N.J.-based Panasonic Computer Solutions. “As a result, the computer is becoming a critical tool in the diesel technician’s chest. Durability and dependability are qualities mechanics want in their tools, and they are qualities found in our Toughbook rugged mobile computers. The top mechanics deserve the top tools, and that is why we are happy to award these 12 technicians with Panasonic’s Toughbook 19.”
“This year’s SuperTech event was extremely competitive,” says John Amdor III, a senior global vehicle technician with FedEx Express and winner of the ‘service information’ skill station at the 2007 TMCSuperTech competition. “It’s great to be recognized for my skills and abilities and to receive such a great collection of prizes. Of all the prizes awarded at the event, I’m most thrilled to win a Toughbook. This is definitely a mechanic’s computer.”
All Toughbook 19s awarded to SuperTech competitors will be loaded with Noregon Systems JPRO Fleet Service Kits, which Noregon says contain everything needed for technicians to service their trucks. The JPRO Fleet Service Kits include JPRO Fleet Diagnostics Software, JPRO Data Link Adapters and JPRO 6 & 9 Pin Y-Cables. JPRO products enable the SuperTech winners to run vehicle diagnostics on the engine, transmission, bulk head modules, instrument clusters and brakes, according to Noregon.
“Noregon’s line of JPRO Fleet Products are used by some of the top fleets in the country, such as Wal-Mart, Estes, Ruan and DeCarolis Truck,” says Michael Kinney, director of fleet sales for Noregon. “More and more fleets add our products to their diagnostic process every month because they clearly understand the value our products provide to their technicians.”
The Toughbook19 comes equipped with an Intel Core Duo processor, security features and optional embedded access to next-generation wireless data networks from all major cellular wireless carriers. In addition, the MIL-SPEC-certified notebook incorporates a daylight-readable screen and rugged features such as a magnesium alloy case, sealed keyboard and ports, flexible internal connectors and shock-resistant mounting.
