How Tough is a Panasonic Toughbook?
Laptops and tablets in Panasonic's Toughbook line are a top choice for anyone who needs their computer to stand up to rough treatment and extreme environments. Made to deal with hot and cold, tumbles and falls, vibration, and even dust and liquids, these computers can make it through treatment that'd bring a regular laptop to its knees.
That's not a surprise when you realize that some of the first rugged computers were made to be used by law enforcement specialists and the military. However, these tough little computers are rapidly spreading to other markets. With their low annual repair rate of only one to three percent, they're reliable in almost all situations, and will see you through, even when your conventional laptop won't.
To get a Toughbook, you'll have to go through Panasonic's exclusive dealer network, especially if you're in Europe or the Western Hemisphere. The majority of sales are also to companies and organizations, not to individual purchasers. That can make it tricky to find a Toughbook for personal use.
Toughbooks are used by all kinds of organizations, including utility companies and in law enforcement patrol vehicles. Their ability to connect to the Internet almost anywhere (via conventional wireless, satellite or embedded cellular) makes them incredibly useful. Toughbooks were among the first computers to use wireless capabilities, and they continue to offer some of the best options around.
The Toughbook is marketed in a number of different configurations, from the business variety through semi rugged and full rugged models meant to deal with more stresses. Laptop and tablet styles are available, as well as some specialty devices made for particular uses, and Toughbooks have been used in emergency medical services and many other specialty situations.
Toughbooks are all enclosed in magnesium alloy cases, which are about twenty times stronger than conventional laptop computer plastic. They use LCD panels designed to stay readable even in bad lighting conditions, and keyboards, cases and screens are usually sealed against dust and moisture. Shock mounted hard drives and extra durable components are also common.
Many Toughbooks also come with digitizers, backlit keyboards and touch screens as well. They have been designed to withstand some of the harshest environments and worst treatment a computer can be subjected to.
Interestingly, Panasonic is one of the few laptop manufacturers that still makes and assembles the majority of its own computers. These are called core manufacturers, and they're the kind of company you want to look for if you're thinking about buying a rugged computer. After all, a computer that's been made from outsourced components and labor probably won't have the kind of production standards and quality control you want out of a rugged laptop.
For anyone whose job requires a lot of exposure to environmental hazards, as well as quick and ready access to a reliable computer, the Toughbook is the answer. Panasonic remains a leader in the market for these rugged laptop and tablet computers, and if you're used one, it's really no surprise. Your organization should take a look at the Toughbooks on the market to see if they're right for your work.
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