Need a Computer for Outdoors? Panasonic Toughbook

By Mitch Ballavance

You've probably heard at least a little about the kind of quality and ruggedness you can expect in a Panasonic Toughbook. These computers are supposed to be able to deal with just about anything you can throw at them. However, some people are concerned that these claims are bigger than what the computer can offer - let's take a look.

Wondering if a Toughbook can live up to its reputation isn't a bad idea. We all want to make sure we spend as little as necessary for our businesses, and keep the expenditures we do make to necessary ones. Fortunately, Toughbooks seem to offer everything that's promised.

These computers are made to deal with harsh environments and nasty conditions better than any of the other computers on the market. There are several different degrees of ruggedness, each one made for a particular set of harsh conditions. The toughest of all are the fully rugged laptops - made to take anything.

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.

Of course, a Toughbook might be built like a tank, but that doesn't mean it looks or weighs like one. These notebooks are small and light for their ruggedness - just two and a quarter kilograms, or about five pounds. That makes them a lot easier to carry around.

The newest models include touch screen and stylus interactivity, and are great in situations where keyboard use isn't all that feasible. Solid metal latches ensure that they stay safe, and truly bright screens can be read in just about any lighting conditions - plus they resist cracks, scratches and other damage. Newer Toughbooks have rotating displays for easier use.

If you need to log data in the field, choose a Toughbook, and custom order it to have the hardware and software you really need. There are models that make typing in gloves a lot easier, and models that make it easier to type in dim conditions. All connectors and ports are sealed against water and dust, making them functional in every environment.

Don't be worried about dropping a Toughbook, either - it has a case made from magnesium alloy that'll keep the exterior safe, and shock mounts on the drives inside to keep data from being lost. The overall performance is a little lower than the top of the line conventional laptops out there, but you'll never have to replace or repair your Toughbook.

Add in high quality wireless capabilities for all kinds of devices and a great battery life, and you'll be able to work anywhere you need to. Even if there are no outlets to be found, there's a good chance your Toughbook will work all day with no problems. These computers are definitely made to be reliable, and are worth the money you'll need to invest in them. - 30431

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