Panasonic Toughbook Computer Review

By Mitch Ballavance

By now, most of us have heard at least a little about high quality, ruggedly built Toughbook computers from Panasonic. These laptops are said to be able to cope with any environment and any rough treatment you can give them. But are they really worth their high price?

There's nothing wrong with wondering if a Toughbook can really live up to its impressive reputation. After all, we all want to save money, and some of the claims that are made for the Toughbook seem hard to believe. Let's have a look at what the Toughbook can really do and whether it's worth what you'll pay.

A Panasonic Toughbook is the computer most likely to make it out of a difficult situation, compared to all the other laptops out there. Available in several different degrees of ruggedness, this computer line has a model for every situation. The toughest are the fully rugged models, with all the features you need to protect your data.

A Toughbook can successfully survive long drops of a meter or more, can be exposed to water, covered in mud, and used in some of the dustiest conditions there are. Vibrating machinery, like cranes and other heavy equipment, would destroy a regular laptop, but a Toughbook can survive it. These computers are routinely used by the US military.

Toughbooks may be put together like tanks, but that doesn't mean they have to look like them. These notebooks are actually pretty small and light for how they're put together. Coming in at two and a quarter kilograms, or around five pounds, these computers aren't all that hard to carry.

Newer models offer stylus and touch screen interactivity, for situations where a keyboard isn't feasible, and secure with solid metal latches. Their bright screens are engineered to be readable in conditions ranging from pitch blackness to full on sunlight, and are also built to resist scratching, cracking and other damage. Some newer Toughbooks even allow you to rotate the display, so it'll be easier to use in certain areas.

Toughbooks also make great data logging devices for people working in the field, and can be custom built for the hardware and software features you need most. There are models that can easily be typed on using gloves and models that make it easier to type in dark conditions. Connectors and ports are sealed against particulates and moisture, making it easier to use a Toughbook wherever you go.

Worried about damaging your Toughbook in a fall? Don't be - the case is made of a strong, durable magnesium alloy that's stood up to manhandling by tigers and elephants, and the shock mounted hard drives mean that internal damage isn't much of a risk, either. These computers don't offer top of the line performance, it's true, but they do offer durability and an incredibly low rate of replacement and repair.

Add in a computer that has the latest wireless technology included, and a battery that just won't quit, and you'll have no problem transmitting data from even remote locations. Don't worry about not getting access to an outlet - many Toughbooks have up to eight hours of battery life. These computers are definitely built to last, and worth the investment. - 30432

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