These updates solidify the Toughbook 55’s position as the premier semi-rugged computer for professionals.
Panasonic stands out as the leader in the realm of professional-grade rugged and semi-rugged PCs.
Launched in 2019, the Toughbook 55 (FZ-55) stands as a flagship model for Panasonic.
Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk3 for 2024.
This 14-inch laptop features three modular bays, 4G LTE connectivity, and a touchscreen that supports pen input.
Here’s why the Toughbook 55 is still the best semi-rugged laptop on the market.
This review was made possible by a Panasonic review sample.
The company did not see the contents of the review before publishing it.
Prices start at approximately $2,776, varying based on the volume of purchases and configuration options.
The new Mk3 model effectively makes it an excellent consumer Ultrabook but built for professional field use.
The classic rear Toughbook lid on the Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk3.
Panasonic’s thermal solutions are pretty basic compared to prosumer laptops.
Battery life is outstanding.
This laptop could last for days since the battery packs can be hot-swapped.
Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk3’s proprietary xPak system allows hot-swapping of extra batteries, DVD drives, ports, and more.
Toss in a 100W or 120W solar charger; you could use this laptop indefinitely in the field.
Panasonic is unmatched in this field, and the Toughbook 55 shows why.
Upon opening the Toughbook 55 Mk3, a 14-inch IPS display welcomes you.
Besides Wi-Fi 6Ea the Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk3 offers optional 4G LTE via SIM and eSIM.
The review unit boasts a Full HD (1920x1080) touchscreen that is glove-friendly.
Additionally, it comes with a stylus housed in a dedicated compartment for convenience.
The screen is uncalibrated, which is not unexpected.
The Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk3 shows a significant improvement in performance to the CPU and GPU for 2024.(Image credit: Future)
Like other Toughbooks, the Toughbook 55 Mk3 has a day/night mode.
Likewise, the keyboard backlight can be set to white, red, blue, or green.
The spill-resistant keyboard is replaceable and very enjoyable to bang out on even compared to prosumer laptops.
(Image credit: Future)
The keys are spread out enough that you might pop in while wearing gloves.
Unlike other Toughbook PCs, this one uses Microsoft Precision drivers.
Audio is delivered via two top-firing speakers that can peak at 92dB, which is extraordinarily loud.
(Image credit: Future)
A sliding privacy door hides the camera and the Windows Hello infrared sensor.
The real magic of the Toughbook 55 is its three modular bays.
By default, the laptop has one battery pack, and the other two bays have empty fillers.
(Image credit: Future)
Optional 4G LTE with multi-carrier support and satellite GPS lets this laptop connect anywhere in the world.
Customers can drop in a SIM (in the rear) or use an electronic SIM (eSIM).
Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk3: What you won’t like
The Toughbook 55 has no significant shortcomings.
Users can change the color of the display and keyboard backlight to make them easier on the eyes during nighttime use, which is especially useful for military operations.
The Mk3 model introduces modern features such as Thunderbolt 4 and a substantial performance increase.
Typically, laptops designed for enterprise and field use are behind the consumer market.
Yet Panasonic keeps close pace despite a launch cycle that doesn’t exactly match the consumer market.
The Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk3 supports inking via a stowaway pop-out stylus.
Businesses generally don’t concern themselves with this aspect.
Furthermore, enterprises prioritize the availability ofIntel vPro, which often follows the non-vPro versions.
The only suggested improvement is the addition of an optional 5G modem.
No worries about taking the Panasonic Toughbook Mk3 out into the wild as that is what it’s made for.
The Toughbook 55 is easily the best semi-rugged laptop right now and likely for the next few years.
However, it is still on Intel’s older 8th Gen CPU.
It also feels like Dell is slowly backing out of rugged devices due to Panasonic’s strong presence.
Users can change the rear port configuraiton for legacy connections via an XPak.
Other options start to veer to different form factors.
Panasonic offers theToughbook 33, a 2-in-1 tablet PC with a keyboard.
There is also the 10.1-inch and brand-newToughbook G2, which is also very modular.
The bottom of the Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk3 showing how modular xPaks fit into the laptop.
We have more recommendations in ourbest rugged laptopsguide.
Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk3: Should you buy it?
You need a semi-rugged laptop with 4G LTE, inking, and modern hardware.
The touchpad is small, but can take a lot of abuse.
Your mission often changes, requiring adaptable Panasonic xPAKs.
It’s self-explanatory: You need this laptop for what it can do, or you don’t.
Regular consumers can avoid this one, as it’s only for the pros.
With up to two how-swappable battery packs and a full HD display, the Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk3 has an extremely long battery life.
You shouldn’t buy this if …
You need just a basic consumer laptop for indoor use.
Yeah, the Toughbook 55 is not for you.
Indeed, you’re more likely to be assigned one of these laptops than buy one yourself.
MicroSD, USB-A, Type-C (Thunderbolt 4), and Ethernet are tucked away behind a flip-down door.
You’re a gamer.
A Chromebook or a Mac is the only thing further from a gaming laptop than the Toughbook 55.
This says a lot about the Toughbook 55.
With a privacy cover and Windows Hello IR the Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk3’s webcam is good enough for the mission.
Panasonic is almost unmatched in this field, and the Toughbook 55 shows why.
Panasonic then executes those requirements with outstanding engineering.
These upgrades solidify the Toughbook 55’s position as the premier semi-rugged computer for professionals.
Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central
Below the touchpad the Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk3 has a built-in carry handle.
Even 3,000 feet up in a mountain not only does the Toughbook 55 work, but so doesn’t the LTE.
