ToughBook 56: Panasonic shows robust notebook with RS-232 and 10 Gbit LAN

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Apart from notebooks for office applications, multimedia, and gaming, there are also work devices designed for use in dirty, wet, or dusty environments – be it on construction sites, in car repair shops, or in the military. These so-called ruggedized notebooks are not housed in ultrabook-thin cases, but are several centimeters thick behemoths with bulbous corners – and often with an integrated carrying handle. The Japanese company Panasonic operates exclusively in this niche in Germany and is introducing its new model, the ToughBook 56.

The fact that different laws apply in the described market segment than for normal notebooks is already obvious at first glance at the data sheet: Panasonic's newcomer uses processors from the Core Ultra 200H series, which Intel introduced a year ago. Nevertheless, this is a big step forward, because the predecessor ToughBook 55 MK3 still used 13th generation Core i processors (MK2 and MK1 of the ToughBook 55 were 11th and 8th generation Core i, respectively). With the model change, Panasonic is now making the switch from 16:9 to 16:10 with more screen height. The better aspect ratio has been standard for office notebooks for years.

It should be noted that the 14-inch screen is not like any other notebook screen. Large color gamuts thanks to OLED technology or high resolutions are irrelevant. Instead, there is a Full HD panel with or without touch operation, as well as a touchscreen with an active digitizer that achieves a maximum brightness of 1000 cd/m². And this is across the entire surface for operation under the open sky and not just in spots, so that HDR videos look fancier thanks to a higher contrast range. Moreover, the display recognizes by itself whether it is being touched by a pen, a bare finger, or a finger in a glove.

Modularity

In addition, customers have a wide selection of modules to customize the device. The modularity goes far beyond what, for example, Framework offers with its USB-C inserts. A Gigabit LAN port is always included, but if you need more (regardless of speed or number of ports), you can get that too. On the back, you can plug in a module with a microSD card reader and 2.5 Gbit LAN, which then replaces native RS-232 and VGA.

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Panasonic ToughBook 56 (6 Bilder)

The slot for the optical drive – yes, the ToughBook 56 still has it – can alternatively accommodate a 10 Gbit LAN module. In front of all ports are rubber flaps that protect them from dust and liquids when not in use. Panasonic guarantees the latter: The ToughBook is certified according to IP53.

Further expansion slots are located under the palm rest. You can install a fingerprint reader or a smart card slot there. Both slots can also be used to accommodate additional batteries. With one battery charge, the ToughBook 56 lasts 12 hours according to Panasonic, and with a second battery (instead of an interface), twice as long. The highlight: The batteries can be swapped while the device is running, which virtually extends the battery life infinitely.

Accessories

Panasonic also offers not only replacement batteries as accessories, but also a charging station that charges four batteries simultaneously. Those who need to use the notebook in the open field and need their hands for other things meanwhile can click it into a harness. For use in vehicles, for example, by the police or military, there is a docking station that securely fastens the notebook. The dock then not only supplies power but also routes the antennas of the integrated mobile radio modem outside to improve reception.

Most of the accessories intended for the ToughBook 56 are already on the market because they are also compatible with the 55 predecessor. If you already have a vehicle equipped with a dock, you can also use the ToughBook 56 in it. The exception is the optical drives – for the optional 10 Gbit LAN module of the ToughBook 56; the slot probably had to be revised.

Due to the high configurability, no meaningful price information can be given, especially since companies also negotiate associated service contracts at the same time. Pre-configured individual units of the ToughBook 55 MK3 are usually not found in retail for less than 3000 euros.

Niche Market

In the narrow market segment of ruggedized notebooks, Panasonic is the largest, but not the only player. DuraBook (not to be confused with the former Toshiba successor DynaBook) and Getac also operate in this niche. Dell also takes a special path and offers some notebooks from the Latitude (old naming) or Pro series (new naming) as rugged variants. Their special housings are not always as robust and protected as notebooks specifically developed for the market segment, but the technical interior is again image-compatible with normal office notebooks. This may please admins if a company does not exclusively use hardened notebooks. (mue)