Mobile Technology

Panasonic unveils massive 20-inch 4K tablet at CES

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An accompanying digital pen can be used for precision an to record natural handwriting, but a finger works just as well for swiping through pages and general navigation
The tablet uses a 1.8 Ghz Intel Corei5 processor to smoothly run applications on Windows 8 Pro, including Adobe Photoshop
On the CES show floor, the company demoed a new 20-inch tablet that runs Windows 8 on a 4K resolution ISP-alpha display
At CES, Panasonic revealed a huge 20-inch tablet that runs Windows 8 on a 4K resolution ISP-alpha screen
Panasonic claims it is the lightest and thinnest 20-inch tablet currently known to the public.
Panasonic claims it is the lightest and thinnest 20-inch tablet currently known to the public.
At CES, Panasonic revealed a huge 20-inch tablet that runs Windows 8 on a 4K resolution ISP-alpha screen
An accompanying digital pen can be used for precision an to record natural handwriting, but a finger works just as well for swiping through pages and general navigation
An accompanying digital pen can be used for precision an to record natural handwriting, but a finger works just as well for swiping through pages and general navigation
Panasonic is aiming the tablet towards consumers in professional graphics fields, like photographers and architects
Panasonic is aiming the tablet towards consumers in professional graphics fields, like photographers and architects
The tablet uses a 1.8 Ghz Intel Corei5 processor to smoothly run applications on Windows 8 Pro, including Adobe Photoshop
Panasonic claims it is the lightest and thinnest 20-inch tablet currently known to the public.
View gallery - 12 images

Panasonic might be getting outshined a little at CES 2013 as competitors like LG and Samsung show off their unique takes on 4K-resolution TVs, but that doesn't mean it didn't find its own creative use for 4K technology. On the show floor, the company demoed a new 20-inch tablet that runs Windows 8 on a 4K resolution ISP-alpha display.

The tablet certainly attracted a crowd of onlookers at Panasonic's CES booth, likely drawn by its monstrous screen. The tablet has been designed with a wide viewing angle so 4K content can easily be shared with others.

The screen displays images at a 3840 x 2560 resolution in a 15:10 aspect ratio, which leaves the pixels almost imperceptible from up close. It uses a 1.8 Ghz Intel Corei5 processor to smoothly run applications on Windows 8 Pro, including Adobe Photoshop. An accompanying digital pen can be used for precision and to record natural handwriting, but a finger works just as well for swiping through pages and general navigation.

It's quite a bit heavier than other tablets on the market at 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg), but that's to be expected with the much larger screen. On the other hand, its 0.4-inch thickness rivals many smaller-sized tablets on the market and Panasonic claims it is the lightest and thinnest 20-inch tablet currently known to the public (not that the competition is fierce in the 20-inch sector).

Panasonic claims it is the lightest and thinnest 20-inch tablet currently known to the public.

Panasonic is aiming the tablet towards consumers in professional graphics fields, like photographers and architects. Its booth provided many examples for how the tablet could be put to use in a work environment, such as creating interactive marketing demonstrations, monitoring a live camera during a photo shoot, or altering architectural blueprints on the fly to share remotely with others.

The samples being shown at Panasonic's booth responded beautifully to touch commands and displayed some of the sharper images we've seen at E3 – quite a feat given the number of 4K screens being shown. It's size may be a bit outlandish, but the company is definitely putting its best foot forward with this one.

Panasonic has not finalized all aspects of the tablet just yet, but here are the specs for the samples shown at CES:

  • 20-inch IPS-alpha display panel
  • 3840 x 2560 (230ppi) resolution
  • 15:10 aspect ratio
  • Windows 8 Pro OS
  • Intel Corei5 3427U vPro 1.8 Ghz CPU
  • NVIDIA GeForce Graphics
  • 4GB memory (max is 16 GB)
  • 128GB SSD storage
  • High resolution digital pen (Anoto live pen)
  • IEEE802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth V4.0 wireless
  • USB 2.0 x 1
  • micro SD card (SDXC) x 1
  • Embedded camera with HD 720p Max. resolution, 1280x720 pixel (front)
  • Up to 2 hours battery life (using internal battery)
  • 18.7"(L) x 13.1"(W) x 0.4"(H)
  • 5.3 lbs

Unfortunately, Panasonic has not revealed any pricing just yet, but the new tablet is expected to be released later this year.

View gallery - 12 images
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17 comments
Dave MacLachlan
Love to see how pressure-sensitive, if at all, the stylus is. If it approached the utility and responsiveness of a Wacom Cintiq, I could see this thing selling like hotcakes for digital artists and designers.
Daishi
@Dave MacLachlan
4k pricing is still going to be in the stratosphere for a while. I don't think many artists could afford one yet :)
leafygreen
So... the dimensions given suggest an A3 screen - Nice, but Panasonic really ought to look at providing an easel-type docking station with added connectivity.
Add a keyboard and mouse, and you've effectively got both a desktop AND a tablet - even nicer!
But, start thinking of likely prices, and all the joy you've just had goes out the window...
slayerwulfe
I'm interested in all advancements in tech, but it's still just a tablet yet any tablet that can perform in area's of work is positive. some have pointed out it's a small niche and it's still just for advertising to consumers.
Dr.Veritas
Finally! I have been wanting Apple to put me together a 21" Tablet that I can use in my easy chair instead of trucking into the study and using the desktop.
I suppose I am the only one, so I don't see it happening.
I use my iPad almost all the time because it is so darn convenient. With an option to use a larger one while sitting on the couch with my wife would be great. We also like to watch movies while in bed on an iPad a larger screen would certainly make it better.
Isn't there anyone else who would like one?
Apple, I will take two please.
Oleg Fialkovsky
A low power hungry core-i3-T processor would be a better fit for this device. Listen to me Panasonic! Make a 15-17" low power consumption tablet and all musicians and musical students will buy it! Make a good software to help musical studies and all parents will buy it for their kids! If you will not going to do this, then Casio or Yamaha should!
bhull@pbs
I wonder if we should be looking for a word other than tablet to describe these larger screen devices? To me, once you go beyond the size of a paper tablet, the electronic device should be named something else. Any ideas?
Artisteroi Rlsh Gadgeteer
the toys get fancier every day... the tools dont even get made anymore.
Pks29733steel
20" Tablet...LOL!!!! The whole idea of a tablet is CONVENICE. I want to drop it in my briefcase or a sleeve. This 'tablet' (maybe panasonic should call it the "Electronic Blackboard") looks like you'll have to put it in your car's trunk or buy another bus or train ticket for a seat to sit it on!
Gnarls Reece
Can't see the point. Could never see the point to tablets in the first place. Just another example of over consumerism. When are we going to wake up to ourselves.