If you are looking for a laptop that can withstand harsh environments, survive drops and spills, and perform reliably in any situation, you might want to consider the Panasonic Toughbook CF-31. This is a fully rugged laptop that is designed to meet the highest standards of durability and quality.
In this article, we will review the features, specifications, pros and cons, and customer feedback of the Panasonic Toughbook CF-31.
We will also compare it with some of its competitors and explain why buying a refurbished model from Rugged Books is a smart choice.
What is the Panasonic Toughbook CF-31?
The Panasonic Toughbook CF-31 is a 13.1-inch laptop that belongs to the fully rugged category of Panasonic’s Toughbook series. It was first released in 2010 and has undergone several updates since then.
The latest version is the CF-31 MK5, which was launched in 2016. The CF-31 MK5 features an Intel Core i5-7300U processor, 16 GB of RAM, 256 GB of SSD storage, and Windows 10 Pro operating system. It also has a 1200-nit touchscreen display with Panasonic CircuLumin technology, which makes it readable in direct sunlight and compatible with gloves and stylus input.
The most distinctive feature of the CF-31 is its ruggedness. It has a magnesium alloy case with integrated carrying handle and shock-protected HDD. It has doors that cover all the ports and openings to prevent dust and water ingress. It has a fanless design that reduces noise and power consumption.
It has a spill-resistant keyboard and touchpad that can resist up to 200 ml of liquid. It has a removable battery that can last up to 19.5 hours (new) on a single charge, or up to 28.5 hours with an optional media bay second battery according to Panasonic.
Here at Rugged Books refurbished Toughbook CF-31 batteries can last 3-6 hours. Ultimaitly it depends on each units condition and usage.
The CF-31 is certified to the MIL-STD-810G standard, which means it can survive drops from a height of six feet, shocks, vibrations, freezing temperatures, high humidity, and more. It also has an IP65 rating, which means it is dustproof and water-resistant. It can withstand jets of water sprayed from any direction with a half-inch nozzle.
The CF-31 is also compliant with other standards such as MIL-STD-461F (electromagnetic interference), ANSI/ISA 12.12.01 (hazardous locations), ISO 7637-2 (vehicle power), and more.
The CF-31 is not only tough but also versatile. It has a range of connectivity options, such as LAN, Firewire, PC Card slot, Express card slot, SDXC card slot, USB 3.0 x1, USB 2.0 x3, serial, HDMI, and VGA.
It also supports optional features such as 4G/LTE, dedicated GPS, fingerprint reader, smart card reader, webcam, DVD drive, backlit keyboard, dual antenna pass-through, and more.
The CF-31 can also be mounted on vehicles or desks using various docking solutions.
How does the Panasonic Toughbook CF-31 compare with other rugged laptops?
The Panasonic Toughbook CF-31 is one of the most popular rugged laptops in the market, but it is not the only one. There are other models from different brands that offer similar or better features and performance. Here are some of the competitors of the CF-31:
Dell Latitude 7414 Rugged Extreme
The Dell Latitude 7414 Rugged Extreme is a 14-inch laptop that claims to be the most powerful rugged laptop ever made. It features an Intel Core i7-8650U processor, 32 GB of RAM, 1 TB of SSD storage, and Windows 10 Pro operating system. It also has a 1000-nit touchscreen display with glove-capable touch technology.
The Dell Latitude 7414 Rugged Extreme is certified to the MIL-STD-810G standard and has an IP65 rating. It can survive drops from a height of four feet while operating or six feet while closed. It can also withstand extreme temperatures, humidity, dust, sand, vibration, shock, altitude, solar radiation, salt fog, explosive atmosphere, and more.
The Dell Latitude 7414 Rugged Extreme has multiple connectivity options such as LAN, USB-C x2, USB-A x3, serial, HDMI, VGA, micro SIM card slot, SD card slot, and audio jack. It also supports optional features such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4G/LTE, GPS, NFC, RFID reader, fingerprint reader, smart card reader, IR camera, webcam, DVD drive, backlit keyboard, and dual hot-swappable batteries.
The Dell Latitude 7414 Rugged Extreme costs around $799.99 USD for the base configuration at Rugged Books.
Getac B360
The Getac B360 is a 13.3-inch laptop that boasts of being the fastest rugged laptop in its class. It features an Intel Core i7-10510U processor, 16 GB of RAM, 512 GB of SSD storage, and Windows 10 Pro operating system. It also has a 1400-nit touchscreen display with LumiBond 2.0 technology, which enhances readability and responsiveness.
The Getac B360 is certified to the MIL-STD-810H standard and has an IP66 rating. It can survive drops from a height of six feet, shocks, vibrations, rain, dust, sand, and more. It can also operate in temperatures ranging from -29°C to 63°C.
The Getac B360 has various connectivity options such as LAN, USB-C x1, USB-A x3, serial, HDMI, micro SIM card slot, SD card slot, and audio jack. It also supports optional features such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4G/LTE, GPS, NFC, RFID reader, fingerprint reader, smart card reader, IR camera, webcam, backlit keyboard, and dual hot-swappable batteries.
The Getac B360 costs around $3,599 USD for the base configuration.
Durabook S14I
The Durabook S14I is a 14-inch laptop that offers a balance of performance and durability. It features an Intel Core i5-10210U processor, 8 GB of RAM, 256 GB of SSD storage, and Windows 10 Pro operating system. It also has a 1000-nit touchscreen display with DynaVue technology, which improves contrast and clarity.
The Durabook S14I is certified to the MIL-STD-810G standard and has an IP53 rating. It can survive drops from a height of four feet, shocks, vibrations, spills, dust, and more. It can also operate in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 60°C.
The Durabook S14I has several connectivity options such as LAN, USB-C x1, USB-A x3, serial, HDMI, micro SIM card slot, SD card slot, and audio jack. It also supports optional features such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4G/LTE, GPS, NFC, fingerprint reader, smart card reader, webcam, DVD drive, backlit keyboard, and dual hot-swappable batteries.
The Durabook S14I costs around $1,779 USD for the base configuration.
| Model | Processor | Display | Battery Life | Lbs | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panasonic Toughbook CF-31 MK5 | Intel Core i5-7300U | 13.1-inch 1200-nit touchscreen with Panasonic CircuLumin technology | Up to 19.5 hours (28.5 hours with optional second battery) | 8.8 lbs | $699 USD |
| Dell Latitude 7414 Rugged Extreme | Intel Core i7-8650U | 14-inch 1000-nit touchscreen with glove-capable touch technology | Up to 14 hours (28 hours with optional second battery) | 7.6 lbs | $799 USD |
| Getac B360 | Intel Core i7-10510U | 13.3-inch 1400-nit touchscreen with LumiBond 2.0 technology | Up to 21 hours (42 hours with optional second battery) | 5.7 lbs | $3,599 USD |
| Durabook S14I | Intel Core i5-10210U | 14-inch 1000-nit touchscreen with DynaVue technology | Up to 12 hours (20 hours with optional second battery) | 5.1 lbs | $1,779 USD |
What are the pros and cons of the Panasonic Toughbook CF-31?
The Panasonic Toughbook CF-31 is a rugged laptop that has many advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the pros and cons of the CF-31:
Pros
- Extremely durable and reliable: The CF-31 can withstand almost any kind of abuse and harsh environment. It is built to last and perform in any situation.
- Long battery life: The CF-31 has a removable battery that can last up to 19.5 hours on a single charge or up to 28.5 hours with an optional second battery. This is ideal for users who need to work for long hours without access to power outlets.
- Bright and responsive touchscreen: The CF-31 has a 1200-nit touchscreen display that is readable in direct sunlight and compatible with gloves and stylus input. The display also has Panasonic CircuLumin technology that adjusts the brightness and contrast automatically according to the ambient light.
- Versatile and customizable: The CF-31 has a range of connectivity options and optional features that can suit different user needs and preferences. Users can choose from various configurations and add-ons to enhance the functionality and performance of the CF-31.
- Trusted by professionals: The CF-31 is used by many professionals who work in demanding fields such as military, law enforcement, emergency services, construction, engineering, mining, oil and gas, transportation, and more. The CF-31 has proven its reliability and quality in various scenarios and applications.
Cons
- Heavy and bulky: The CF-31 is not a laptop that you can easily carry around or fit in a backpack. It weighs 8.8 pounds and measures 11.9 x 11.5 x 2.9 inches. It also has a large handle that adds to its size.
- Small and stiff touchpad: The CF-31 has a spill-resistant keyboard and touchpad that are designed to resist up to 200 ml of liquid. However, the touchpad is small and stiff compared to other laptops. Some users may find it uncomfortable or inconvenient to use.
- No USB Type-C port: The CF-31 does not have a USB Type-C port that is becoming more common in modern laptops. USB Type-C ports offer faster data transfer speeds and support multiple functions such as charging devices or connecting external monitors.
- Underperforms in some computing scenarios: The CF-31 has an Intel Core i5-7300U processor that is sufficient for most tasks but may not be able to handle
