Toughbook 55 enables you to customize the device during field work

Takes semi rugged mobile computing to new levels of flexibility, productivity and sustainability.

Panasonic sets a new standard for semi-rugged mobile computing with the launch of its Toughbook 55 notebook. For the first time, users will be able to customise their device for different tasks while in the field. The semi-rugged notebook in a slim and lightweight design will radically improve workforce flexibility and productivity, as well as delivering maximum return on investment for businesses.

The Panasonic Toughbook 55 clamshell notebook allows users to boost graphics capabilities, add a smartcard reader, additional storage or a DVD or Blu-Ray drive with a simple switch, fit and click of the new functionality into the Toughbook Universal Bay. In addition, a front expansion slot can be used to quickly integrate a fingerprint reader, RFID or regular smart card reader or for the addition of a second battery.

At purchase, buyers can also customise 3 additional ports for the device using its expansion slot, VGA, True Serial and one from a choice of 4th USB, 2nd GLAN or Rugged USB 2.0. “This device is a game-changer. It takes semi-rugged mobile computing to new levels of flexibility, productivity and sustainability,” said Jan Kaempfer, General Manager of Marketing for Panasonic Computer Product Solutions. “Users can customise their device on the move to suit the needs of their job role at the time. Buyers can invest in the device knowing that it has the flexibility to adapt to the changing needs of the business and the workforce over the long-term. Lastly, it cuts the carbon footprint of the device because it enables the repair and replacement of independent parts rather than discarding the device when one part fails or sending the whole device back for repair," added Kaempfer.  

An evolution of the successful Toughbook 54, the new Toughbook 55 is more flexible, faster, tougher, secure, and long-lasting than its predecessor but can be still be used with accessories from the previous device, including vehicle docks and desktop port replicators.

Ideal for mobile work

The Toughbook 55 is a semi-rugged device with a business notebook feel. It is lightweight (2.08kg), slim (32.8mm) and easy to move around with its premium designed handle. Yet it’s also tougher than its predecessor with an enhanced Ingress Protection Rating (IP53) against dust and water splash and protected against drops up to 91cm (MIL-STD810H). Operation in extreme temperatures has also been enhanced, comfortably operating in temperatures ranging from -20°C to +60°C.

With an increased battery life of up to 20 hours and an extended capability of 40 hours, with the addition of a hot-swap second battery, the Toughbook 55 is as long working as it is adaptable.

Easy operation

Designed for easy use when docked in vehicles, the Toughbook 55 has enhanced voice recognition and speaker volume capabilities. With optional 4 mics, the device has an incredible voice recognition rate of 98% Alongside its improved stereo speaker capabilities (92 dBA), the Toughbook is easy to use for conversations in-vehicle or in noisy work environments.

The Toughbook 55 keyboard has also been enhanced, making it easy to use and customisable for more efficient work. An optional colour changeable keyboard backlight can be specified by buyers the leaf design, isolated keys make for easy typing and it comes with resin painted letters for easy viewing in light or darkness.

Users can choose how they interact with the capacitive touch screen with up to 10 finger touch mode, with or without gloves, or by using a stylus with a fine nib of 2mm for precise writing and accuracy. The device can also be used in a wide range of environments from bright sunlight to areas where light must be kept to a minimum (Max brightness 1000 cd/m2. Min Brightness 2 cd/m2). It includes optional a 2MP front camera with IR and privacy shutter for video conferencing.

Protected against both physical and digital attacks

While rugged features protect the Toughbook 55 against physical damage and the flexible customisation allows the storage to be easily removed for sensible data protection, a new frontier of security has been implemented to prevent malicious attacks to the system.

Toughbook 55 is one of the first notebooks in the market including a new advanced security platform which makes it a modern Windows 10 Pro device with hardware, software, and identity protection fully-enabled out of the box. The 8th generation Intel Core i5 vPro processor, Panasonic advanced components and Windows 10 Pro features ensure the highest protection against firmware attacks, securing BIOS phase and device attacks securing the data access even when the OS is in stand-by mode. In addition, the Toughbook 55 offers identity protection with optional fingerprint reader, smart card reader, contactless smart card reader and Windows Hello facial recognition through an optional front camera. Toughbook 55 is fully protected from start-up to shut-down.

Improved performance and comms

The TOUGHBOOK 55 comes with a performance improvement from its 8th generation Intel Core i5 vPro Quad-Core CPU. It is equipped with 8GB RAM (up to 64GB) and 256GB SSD (512GB, 1TB, OPAL256, OPAL 512, OPAL1TB optional). Interfaces include USB3.1 x2, USB 3.1 type C PD, HDMI, LAN, micro SDXC slot and optional Dual-Path Through.

Its communication capabilities are unrivalled with Bluetooth 5.0 to deliver faster data exchange or communicate over longer distances. It also supports WLAN with Intel Dual Band Wireless AC-9560. The Toughbook 55 is optimised for Global Positioning use with Galileo and GPS in Europe, GLONASS in Russia and Beidou support in China by using the optional ublox-NEO-M8N.

Availability and pricing

The Toughbook 55 is available from September 2019 in 3 versions: HD, Full-HD and Full-HD Touch Screen. Price starts from £1,772 + VAT.

(With inputs from Panasonic)