Panasonic said it has released the world’s first fully rugged detachable laptop.
“The Toughbook 20 delivers the durability, reliability and performance Panasonic is known for, while adding the increased level of flexibility and functionality customers want in a single fully rugged computer,” according to the company. “Combining the best features of a laptop and tablet, the new device is ideal for field workers that need a highly mobile computing solution and the ability to reliably capture large amounts of data. The Toughbook 20 is purpose-built for challenging environments, including field services, utilities, oil and gas, transportation and logistics, healthcare, insurance, public safety and defense.”
“Our customers are constantly pushing the boundaries of how and where our devices are used,” said Jan Ruderman, vice president, Business Mobility Group, Panasonic System Communications Company of North America. “As a truly customer-driven solution, the Toughbook 20 delivers what many of our customers are looking for – a single rugged device that delivers all the advantages of a fully functioning laptop and tablet.”
Because mobile workers are charged with completing increasingly complex tasks in the field, the Toughbook 20 features a sixth Generation Intel CoreTM vProTM processor technology, 128GB SSD, 8GB RAM and choice of Windows 10 Pro or Windows 7 Professional (available through downgrade rights from Windows 10 Pro).
Panasonic said its Toughbook 20 offers six usage modes, can be used as a traditional laptop and detached and used by itself or flipped 180 degrees to show content in presentation mode. The convertible mode allows users to see the display with the keyboard attached and ready when it is needed. Using the built-in handle, the device can operate in carry mode or hanging on a wall, while vehicle mode provides full functionality and operation of the device when on the move.
Continuing to set the standard for ruggedness and reliability, the Toughbook 20 is designed to meet MIL-STD-461F for electromagentic interference and MIL-STD-810G for drop, shock, vibration, explosive atmosphere, temperature, humidity, rain and sand, as well as waterproof and dustproof ingress (IP65). The device features a magnesium alloy case, fanless design, locking port covers, raised bezel, Solid State Drive (SSD) heater and a built-in handle for ease of use, which also serves as a kickstand for desktop stability and enables use while hung.
“While relatively easy to design from a consumer perspective, the stresses a detachable laptop will endure in the environments in which our customers operate created serious design challenges. A significant amount of engineering went into this device to ensure it would deliver the reliability the Toughbook brand is known for,” Ruderman added.
The laptop is purpose-built for mobile workers, delivering features that enable productivity both in and out of doors, including a 10.1” sunlight-viewable 800 nit IPS display with gloved multi touch capabilities, a waterproof stylus pen and a backlit keyboard that is 16 percent larger than the Toughbook 19. The 2MP webcam and optional 8MP rear camera expand communications options for field workers, the company said. The device’s optional bridge battery allows for continuous operation and the optional second battery (located in keyboard dock) doubles battery life and can also be swapped between the tablet and keyboard dock.
Optional features include a true serial port, magstripe reader, 1D/2D capable barcode reader, dedicated GPS or 4G LTE multi carrier modem to ensure the Toughbook 20 provides the versatility needed to complete any task in the field. At a mere 3.9 pounds (2.1 lbs. for the tablet only), the device is exceptionally portable.
